Bedford Minuteman
Thursday, April 13, 2006

Emergency dispatchers recognized
by Ben Aaronson

They may not be the ones driving the ambulances or putting out the fires, but dispatchers play an equally important role in responding to emergencies.

Although it can be a thankless job at times, Emergency Communications Officer Jeff Vinciulla said dispatchers take pride in the service they provide.

"It’s kind of a silent service. The police or the fire department or the EMT’s are the ones who show up, but we get them there. We’re kind of like the first responders," Vinciulla said.

Dispatchers across the country are being recognized this week as part of National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. Since 1991, the second full week of April each year has been dedicated to the men and women who serve as public safety telecommunicators.

Bedford has been using a combined civilian dispatch service since 1997, Vinciulla said. All of the town’s emergency communications are answered and dispatched through the Emergency Communications Center.

Vinciulla said the role of dispatchers has changed significantly over the past decade.

"We are highly trained in suicide prevention and medical triage. Some of us are EMT’s. Some of us are on-call firefighters. It’s really becoming more of a profession," Vinciulla said. "Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year - someone is there waiting for your call."