This week, the City of Lethbridge supports National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, a time to recognize the important work of Emergency Communications Officers.
Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services is proud to celebrate the ECOs working in the Public Safety Communications Centre. These trained professionals answer 9-1-1 calls and send help for fire and police emergencies in Lethbridge and surrounding communities 24 hours a day.
“ECOs are the vital link between the public and emergency services,” says Joel McDonald, deputy chief of PSCC Operations. “They stay calm in moments of crisis, receive and provide crucial information and ensure help gets where it is needed.”
The PSCC recently received international recognition for its work. It was re-accredited as a Fire Accredited Centre of Excellence by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. LFES remains the 63rd Fire ACE in the world, a sign the centre meets the highest standards for emergency fire dispatch.
“Our team is exceptional,” adds Jodi Realini, PSCC Quality Assurance supervisor. “This re-accreditation reflects their commitment to excellence and the community’s trust in them.”
The PSCC answers more than 138,000 calls each year, serving Lethbridge and 22 nearby communities in southwestern Alberta. The centre is a fully integrated Public Safety Answering Point with 45 certified emergency communications professionals.
“Our ECOs are the first step in every emergency response,” notes Greg Adair, chief of Fire and EMS. “Their skill, dedication and calm leadership save lives.”
