286-2023

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 weathered historic increases in 911 calls, answering 642,105 calls in 2022; and

Whereas, BOEC Public Safety Telecommunicators consistently display professionalism, dedication, and commitment; 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 April 9-15, 2023, to be

Public Safety Telecommunicators Appreciation Week

In Portland and encourage all residents to observe this week.