270-2022

Whereas, emergencies requiring police, fire, or medical services occur at any time; and

Whereas, prompt police, fire, or medical response is critical to the protection of life and the preservation of property; and

Whereas, Public Safety Telecommunicators in the City of Portland’s Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) are the first contact for our community’s calls for help for emergency services; and

Whereas, BOEC Public Safety Telecommunicators are professionals with expertise in police, fire, medical, and Portland Street Response dispatch protocols; and

Whereas, BOEC Public Safety Telecommunicators monitor first responder radio activity, thus ensuring their safety while providing a vital link of information; and

Whereas, BOEC Public Safety Telecommunicators have experienced an historic 22% increase in 911 calls in one year, answering 636,605 calls in 2021; and

Whereas, 911 calls continue to increase during 2022; and

Whereas, BOEC Public Safety Telecommunicators have shown dedication, commitment, and professionalism throughout the COVID-19 pandemic; and

Whereas, we are grateful for the important and often life-saving work accomplished by BOEC Public Safety Telecommunicators.

Now, therefore, I, Ted Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby proclaim the week of April 10 to April 16, 2022 to be

Public Safety Telecommunicators Appreciation Week

in Portland and encourage all residents to observe this week.