Some of the most important people that deal with stress and information are first responders.  Whether dealing with information, or calming a concerned citizen down, first responders know that seconds can mean lives.  Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has declared April 9-15 as Telecommunications Week in Illinois in recognition of the contributions that are made to the safety of Illinois residents and visitors.

ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly says that first responders are a vital link within the operation helping serve the public.  Every year in April the ISP and Illinois honors those calming voices and recognizes the role they play in ensuring effective and efficient emergency response in times of crisis. 

ISP’s Telecommunication Services Bureau has nearly 100 public safety telecommunicators responsible for providing reliable routine and emergency  communication capabilities for state law enforcement agencies, as wel as federal, county, and municipal agency partners.  They answer the call and relay information from the caller to frontline responders.  In 2022, ISP alone handled more than 500,000 calls for service. 

We here at Regional Radio News salute all of the 9-1-1 dispatchers, telecommunicators, and first responders.