Public Safety Communicators Honoured

OPP Members Recognized for their Knowledge and Performance Under Pressure

ORILLIA, ON, April 11, 2016 /CNW/ - Public Safety Communicator Appreciation Week is being celebrated from April 10 – 16, 2016.  It offers a unique opportunity to recognize the responsibilities that lie with those who serve people across Ontario from five OPP Provincial Communications Centres and other emergency dispatch operations.

Public Safety Communicators are relied upon for professional, efficient call-taking and dispatch services when citizens dial 9-1-1. In Ontario's geographically vast province, communications staff play a key role in how the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) maintains an optimal level of safety for the people of Ontario.

When OPP members need direction or assistance on frontline calls for service, the officers and civilians in Provincial Communications Centres (PCC) are a life line for both officers and those who may be at risk.     

"I commend every member of the PCCs across this province for their important contribution to the Ontario Provincial Police and public safety.  The complexities involved in the work these members perform is highly valued in this organization.  The professionalism demonstrated by these employees 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensures that both police officers and the public receive our best efforts to keep everyone safe in this province." J.V.N. (Vince) Hawkes, Commissioner, Ontario Provincial Police

"This week marks the tremendous contributions of communications personnel in the public safety community. These dedicated women and men not only ensure that the people of Ontario are served by effective, seamless dispatch services, they are often the first line of help to those in need.  We are grateful for their compassion, commitment and hard work."  Yasir Naqvi, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services

SOURCE Ontario Provincial Police

Inspector Chris Whaley, PCC Orillia, [phone]; Inspector Penny Barager, PCC Smiths Falls, [phone]; Inspector Chuck Wesley, PCC Thunder Bay [phone]; A/Inspector Mike McConnell, PCC London, [phone]; Sgt. Carolle Dionne, North East Region Media Relations, [phone]