Your pulse is racing as you blink back tears and dial 9-1-1. On the other end of the line, comes a calm, confident voice – “911, do you need police, fire or ambulance?”

As you tell them what’s going on and where you’re located, the voice assures you help is on the way. You may not pause to think about this voice again…or it may stick with you well after the crisis has been resolved. But that first person you spoke to on that difficult day was a 911 Emergency Dispatcher and they helped make sure you were okay. These individuals serve as a crucial point of contact between those in need and emergency responders. They are the steady voice guiding 911 callers through distressing situations, providing crucial instructions and relaying vital information to responders to ensure swift and effective responses.

“We are grateful for the vital role our dispatchers play in keeping our community safe,” says Everett Cooke, Director, Emergency Services and Fire Chief. “Their rapid response and steady guidance form the backbone of our Emergency Services department, and we extend our sincerest appreciation to these individuals for their life-saving contributions to our community."

During the week of April 13 to 19, we acknowledge National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week when we honour our dispatchers. The City of St. Albert extends its heartfelt appreciation to these unseen heroes keeping our community safe.

Show Your Appreciation

While we honour the invaluable contributions of our 911 Emergency Dispatchers this week, take a moment to show your appreciation, either through social media by sending us a direct message we can pass onto the teams, or dropping a note of thanks to our local dispatch centre at Fire Hall No. 3 (100 Giroux Road) or at the RCMP Detachment - Maloney Place (96 Bellerose Drive).

When to Call 911

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is also a great opportunity to educate each other on important information when calling 911:

• For Emergencies Only: Remember, 911 is reserved for police, fire, and medical emergencies only.
• Provide Accurate Information: Be prepared to answer questions clearly and provide accurate location details to facilitate a swift response.
• Stay on the Line: If you mistakenly call dispatch, do not hang up! Inform them of the mistake to avoid any delays in genuine emergencies.

Thank You

To our dedicated dispatch personnel: Thank you. Your commitment to serving our community is immeasurable and your steadfast presence behind the scenes ensures that help is never far away. 
 

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