Harlan, Ky. (April 10, 2023) –Telecommunicators at Kentucky State Police Post 10 in Harlan are being recognized April 9-15 during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
These silent heroes behind the headsets are more than just a voice on the other end of the line. They save lives on a daily basis.
National Public Safety Telecommunications Week was established in 1981 by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office in California. Each year, the second week of April is set aside to acknowledge those serving as telecommunicators across the country.
“The telecommunicators at Post 10 are highly professional, well-trained individuals who are essential to the operations of Post, to the safety of our personal and the citizens we serve,” said Captain Danny Caudill.
KSP telecommunicators handle dispatch duties for Kentucky State Troopers, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers, Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Officers and other emergency service agencies. Their duties include contacting wrecker services, notifying channels of administration, running license plate and driver’s license numbers, accessing criminal history backgrounds, and notifying family members while continuing to answer new calls and handling other radio traffic.
Post 10 in Harlan has 11 telecommunicators on staff who handle calls from Harlan, Bell, and Knox county area. Last year, they responded to more than 15,000 calls for service.
Post 10’s Telecommunications Team consists of Yolanda Young of Pineville, Paul Mark Spurlock of Lenarue, Lisa Middleton of Evarts, Chuck Owens of Harlan, Mary Asher-Pierce of Harlan, Gerald Browning of Totz, David Bledsoe of Cumberland, Adam Evans of Pineville, Phillip King of Harlan, Aaron Whitehead of Essie, and Erik Lefevers of Closplint.
The agency is currently hiring telecommunicators at local posts across the state. New telecommunicators will receive the training and equipment necessary for success, including a four-week paid training academy to be certified by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council.
The requirements to become a KSP telecommunicator include:
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to handle highly stressful and challenging conditions
- Handle flexible work schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Ability to learn and adapt, especially in areas of technology
- Must be a High School Graduate
For more information about a telecommunicator career with KSP, visit the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet’s website or contact your local post on the KSP website.
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