Columbia, South Carolina – Behind every emergency response, there is often a voice the public never sees. Before a police officer arrives, before firefighters reach the scene, and before help becomes visible, a telecommunicator is usually the first person guiding a caller through fear, confusion, or crisis.
In Columbia and across Richland County, that role is now being placed at the center of public appreciation as the City of Columbia marks National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week from April 13 through April 18.
The observance traces back to 1991, when the United States Congress set aside the second full week of April to honor public safety telecommunicators across the country.
The designation recognizes these professionals as the nation’s “first” first responders, a title that reflects the critical position they hold in emergencies. Every day, residents of Richland County and the City of Columbia rely on the people who answer 911 calls with speed, composure, and clarity when seconds matter most.
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This year, the city is joining in that national recognition with a week-long celebration honoring the telecommunicators who serve the Columbia-Richland community. The effort is meant not only to spotlight their work, but also to remind the public of how essential that work is to the broader public safety system.
“During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, we recognize the dedicated men and women who are the first voice our community hears in times of need,” said Columbia Police Chief William ‘Skip’ Holbrook.
“Their professionalism, compassion, and steady presence are critical to everything we do. We are grateful for their service and proud to stand alongside them as part of the Columbia Richland law enforcement network.”
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Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins also emphasized how closely emergency crews depend on dispatchers and call takers long before responders reach an incident.
“We truly are grateful for all the hard work that our partners in 9-1-1 put in every day,’’ said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins.
“Our call takers and dispatchers act as our eyes and ears before our firefighters can arrive on scene at any emergency. We count on them to get crucial information from those who need help while also taking steps to keep them calm. The duty they fulfill is vital to our community and the citizens we protect.’’
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Residents are being encouraged to take part in the recognition by thanking Columbia-Richland 911 Communications on social media and acknowledging the skill, expertise, and commitment these telecommunicators bring to the community each day. More information is available through the Columbia-Richland County 911 Communications website at https://publicsafety.columbiasc.gov/.
