Montgomery, Ala. (WDNews) — As National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week approaches, state officials are highlighting the critical role of 911 dispatchers across Alabama.
According to state data, more than 2.6 million 911 calls were answered in Alabama last year by approximately 1,675 public safety telecommunicators working in 104 emergency communications centers statewide.
Officials say the average telecommunicator in Alabama is 38 years old, with an average tenure of nearly six years.
The numbers reflect the scale of service provided to more than 5 million residents and nearly 29 million visitors who travel through the state each year. Dispatchers are often the first point of contact during emergencies, providing guidance and coordinating responses for first responders.
Leaders say the week serves as a reminder of the people behind the headsets, who answer calls that often come during someone’s worst moment.
Residents are encouraged to recognize and thank telecommunicators for their work supporting both the public and emergency personnel in the field.
Statistics are based on primary Public Safety Answering Points and employees within those centers.
