NPSTW

About

Every year, during the second full week of April, we come together to honour the telecommunications professionals within the public safety community. This week-long event, originally established in 1981, serves as a dedicated time to celebrate those who selflessly serve the public. It is a week to acknowledge their hard work and unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe.

We encourage you to celebrate this important week by recognizing your colleagues, supervisors, and staff. Whether it’s hosting a party, reaching out to local media and public officials, or launching an awards program, there are many ways to make National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week truly special. 

Thank you once again for the sacrifices you make every day to build a safer community for all. Your dedication to your professionalism is valued deeply by NENA Ontario, the public safety communications community, and the citizens you serve. 

This week is for you!

History & Purpose of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW)

History

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW) was first established in 1981 by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office in California to recognize the critical role of public safety telecommunicators. In 1994, U.S. President Bill Clinton signed Presidential Proclamation 6667, officially designating the second week of April as NPSTW. 

In Canada, NPSTW is observed annually during the second week of April, aligning with the U.S. schedule. Canadian organizations across the country, actively participate in honouring their telecommunicators during this week as the unsung heroes behind the scenes who play a crucial role in public safety. 

While NPSTW originated in the United States, it has been embraced by Canadian public safety agencies to acknowledge the essential services provided by telecommunicators across the country.

Purpose

NPSTW serves several key purposes:

Recognizing Telecommunicators’ Service: Highlighting the critical role of 911 dispatchers and public safety communicators in emergency response.

Raising Awareness: Educating the public about the life-saving work these professionals perform under high-pressure conditions.

Boosting Morale & Appreciation: Encouraging agencies, communities, and leadership to express gratitude through awards, celebrations, and public acknowledgment.

Strengthening Community Connections: Showcasing the teamwork between dispatchers, police, fire, EMS, and other first responders.

Encouraging Career Interest: Promoting the profession to attract future generations of skilled telecommunicators.

NPSTW is a time to say “thank you” to the voices behind the calls—the professionals who keep first responders and the public safe 24/7.

Ways to Celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW)

For 911 Agencies & Dispatch Teams

  1. Themed Appreciation Days – Organize daily themes like “Superhero Day” or “Throwback Thursday” where dispatchers dress up and enjoy special treats.
  2. Shift Party & Catered Meals – Provide breakfast, lunch, or dinner for different shifts.
  3. Recognition Awards – Give out certificates for categories like “Calmest Under Pressure” or “Best Team Player.”
  4. Dispatcher Spotlights – Feature team members on social media with their stories and achievements.
  5. Wall of Gratitude – Create a bulletin board where officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel leave thank-you notes.
  6. Swag & Gifts – Distribute T-shirts, challenge coins, or personalized dispatch gear.

For a Larger Dispatch Agencies 

  1. Multi-Day Celebration Schedule – Plan a full week of events, with different activities for each shift to ensure inclusivity.
  2. Dispatcher Awards Gala – Host a formal awards ceremony with categories like “Dispatcher of the Year” or “Most Memorable Call.”
  3. Wellness & Stress Relief Station – Set up a relaxation room with massage chairs, aromatherapy, or even therapy dogs.
  4. Team Competitions – Organize fun challenges like a trivia contest, scavenger hunt, or “Best Decorated Console.”
  5. Professional Recognition Video – Create a high-quality video with messages from leadership, first responders, and the community.
  6. Dispatch Family Night – Invite families for a center tour, a catered dinner, and an interactive “911 Call Demo.”
  7. Customized Swag Bags – Provide dispatchers with high-quality gear, including insulated tumblers, challenge coins, and custom patches.
  8. Live Social Media Highlights – Feature daily dispatcher interviews or shift shoutouts to engage the public.

For a Smaller Agencies 

  1. Personalized Recognition Letters – Have leadership and first responders write individual thank-you notes.
  2. Sponsored Meal Delivery – Arrange for local businesses to provide meals for all shifts.
  3. Shift-Specific Appreciation Gifts – Gift practical items like custom notebooks, coffee mugs, or gift cards.
  4. Radio & Public Announcements – Partner with local radio stations to air public appreciation messages.
  5. “Dispatcher Takeover Day” – Let dispatchers suggest policies, music playlists, or fun traditions for the week.
  6. Community Thank-You Board – Collect handwritten messages from officers, firefighters, and community members.
  7. Casual Theme Days – Have small, easy-to-organize themes like “Pajama Day” or “Crazy Hat Day.”
  8. Local Media Feature – Arrange for a newspaper or TV segment highlighting your team’s impact.

For Police, Fire, and EMS Services

  1. First Responder Visits – Have police, fire, and EMS crews drop by with snacks, gifts, or handwritten thank-you notes.
  2. Ride-Along Swap – Allow dispatchers to ride along with officers or firefighters to see their impact firsthand.
  3. Radio Shoutouts – First responders can give live acknowledgments over the radio.

For the Public & Community

  1. Social Media Campaigns – Encourage citizens to post messages of thanks using #NPSTW.
  2. Local Government Proclamations – Get city officials to issue a proclamation recognizing NPSTW.
  3. School & Community Engagement – Host educational sessions about 911 services at local schools.
  4. Community Thank-You Drive – Have local businesses sponsor meals, coffee, or small gifts.

For Organizations & Businesses

  1. Discounts & Freebies – Encourage local businesses to offer discounts for dispatchers during NPSTW.
  2. Billboard or Public Service Announcements – Display appreciation messages in high-traffic areas.
  3. Sponsorship of Appreciation Events – Partner with businesses to fund meals, prizes, or special activities.

How does your agency celebrate? We’d love to add to our list! Submit your ideas to vicepresident@nenaontario.ca.

Dispatcher Spotlight

Spotlight Your 9-1-1 Teams! 

NENA Ontario wants to celebrate and showcase the incredible telecommunicators who keep our communities safe! Help us shine a spotlight on their hard work by sending in your best photos—whether it’s your team in action, a fun crew selfie, or a special NPSTW celebration. We’ll be sharing these moments throughout NPSTW to honour, thank, and recognize our amazing 9-1-1 professionals!

 Send your photos to president@nenaontario.ca and let’s show the world the faces behind the voices!