National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week honours Lethbridge’s 9-1-1 professionals and dispatch excellence

This week is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 13-19), a time to recognize the important work of Emergency Communications Officers (ECOs) – the calm voices on the other end of a 9-1-1 call. 

Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) is proud to celebrate the ECOs working in the Public Safety Communications Centre (PSCC). These trained professionals answer 9-1-1 calls and send help for fire and police emergencies in Lethbridge and surrounding communities 24 hours a day. 

“Emergency Communications Officers are the vital link between the public and emergency services,” says Joel McDonald, Deputy Chief of PSCC Operations. “They stay calm in moments of crisis, receive and provide crucial information, and ensure help gets where it is needed – fast.”

The PSCC recently received international recognition for its work. It was re-accredited as a Fire Accredited Centre of Excellence (ACE) by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED). LFES remains the 63rd Fire ACE in the world, a sign that the centre meets the highest standards for emergency fire dispatch.

“Our team is exceptional,” says Jodi Realini, PSCC Quality Assurance Supervisor. “This re-accreditation reflects their commitment to excellence and the community’s trust in them.”

The PSCC answers more than 138,000 calls each year, serving Lethbridge and 22 nearby communities in southwestern Alberta. The centre is a fully integrated Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) with 45 certified emergency communications professionals. 

“Our Emergency Communications Officers are the first step in every emergency response,” says Greg Adair, Chief of Fire and EMS. “Their skill, dedication and calm leadership save lives every day.”

“Accreditation is truly a pinnacle achievement,” says Christof Chwojka, Accreditation Board Chair at IAED. “We applaud the dedicated call takers, dispatchers and leadership team at LFES for their commitment to quality, and for meeting that high standard that few achieve. We know their community can count on these first responders to do an outstanding job.”

The IAED accreditation process is rigorous and comprehensive. Being re-accredited shows that the PSCC continues to meet or exceed global standards for safe, effective and high-quality emergency communication.

During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, LFES invites residents to thank the 9-1-1 professionals who are always ready to answer the call when it matters most. Residents can post on social media or send an email to firedepartment@lethbridge.ca 

For Public Inquiries:
Call or chat 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.