South Dakota’s 9-1-1 emergency dispatchers are being recognized by the state during National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. But dispatchers work tirelessly to answer emergency calls, dispatch responders and provide life-saving instructions to South Dakotans throughout the year.
It was mere coincidence that a major spring snowstorm should hit the state only days before the week set aside to honor emergency dispatchers.
State 9-1-1 Coordinator Shawnie Rechtenbaugh oversees the 33 public safety answering points across South Dakota.
Rechtenbaugh says as much as a natural emergency can increase the number of calls received, 9-1-1 dispatchers have a daunting job regardless of the weather.
"You know, we often don’t think about who those people are an what they’re doing until we go to dial 9-1-1 in an emergency,” Rechtenbaugh comments. “And, so, this National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is just an excellent time to take a moment to think about the folks that are there. They’re ready and willing to do the job and provide the help and the guidance that you need when you need it the most.”
South Dakota Public Safety dispatch centers reported up to a 40 percent increase in call volume during last week’s snowstorm.