Carson City Sheriff's Office recognizes recent dispatcher retirements, highlights National Telecommunicators Week

This week is designated National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, honoring those in the field of emergency call-taking by recognizing them for their quick thinking actions as they navigate telephone lifeline responses between those needing help and those first fire and sheriff's office responders arriving on scene.

This spring there have been a number of retirements in the Carson City Dispatch Center, accounting for more than 90 years of combined service. Beginning in March, Carson City's dispatch center has seen three retirements, including Communications Manager Karin Mracek and longtime dispatchers Donna Milton and most recently Marj Knowles.

Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong notes that due to the COVID-19 epidemic, restrictions and distancing practices, the retirements didn't get their proper ceremonial due-diligence as with previous retirements.

"Sadly this is the case," said Furlong, noting most recently that Knowles retired with more than 30 years combined as a dispatcher and communications supervisor.

Knowles is the third dispatch operator to retire this month from the Sheriff's Office, joining with Donna Milton and Manager Karin Mracek. Together, their retirements account for over 90 years of combined service and experience.

In a Facebook post, the Sheriff's Office noted that while the agency knew 10 years ago that all three of these retirements were going to take place near the same time, it didn't make their last work days any easier.

"Marj and the others have always been integral part to all of the Public safety operations in Carson City and we wish her, along with Karin and Donna, the best wishes in their future endeavors. We love all three of you," the Facebook post states.

Sheriff Furlong notes dispatchers are truly at the front line of public safety responses, even more so now with COVID-19 responses, making modifications to further protect the responding agencies.

"It is just another example of why we say dispatchers are on the front line. They are dealing with challenges that are extraordinary and communicating these challenges effectively with the proper agencies to continue to provide the services," said Furlong. "They are absolutely joined at the hip with our law enforcement patrol, fire department and paramedics in making sure that not only our first responders get there safely, but with ongoing safety once they get there. Dispatchers are truly the lifeline of every public safety entity across this country."

Carson City Fire Department Chief Sean Slamon echoed Sheriff Furlong's sentiment.

"Public Safety Telecommunicators are the first line of our public safety system. They are the calm voice behind every emergency. This is the week where we recognize them for their dedication and professionalism," said Chief Slamon.

Every year during the second week of April, the telecommunications personnel in the public safety community, are honored. This week-long event, initially set up in 1981 by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office in California, is a time to celebrate and thank those who dedicate their lives to serving the public.

Elsewhere, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak shared his thanks Monday to the Nevada DPS dispatch team in a Tweet.

"Thank you to our Nevada DPS Dispatch team, and all public safety telecommunicators, for your service and dedication. We appreciate you," the governor stated.

More words of praise will be forthcoming this week for other agencies and we will list them as they come in. National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is April 12-18, 2020.