This week is recognized as National Telecommunicators Week, a time to honor the thousands of men and women who respond to emergency calls, dispatch emergency professionals and equipment and render life-saving assistance to the world’s citizens.

The Dallas County Board of Supervisors approved a proclamation for the week at their meeting Monday.

Sheriff Chad Leonard says the County employs 13 dispatchers who really serve as the first, first responders when emergencies happen. Dispatcher Jill Johnson has been with the department for 15 years and says though it is a stressful job, there’s nothing she would rather do.  Leonard noted that Johnson took the lead when the department installed new software and she has done a phenomenal job stepping up to help with the transition and training new staff.

The Sheriff also thanked the Supervisors for their support of the department and for investing in the new dispatch center at the north campus.