Every year during the second week of April, the telecommunications personnel in the public safety setting are honored for their service. This weeklong event is known as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week and has been annually observed since 1981.

In many instances, dispatchers aren’t the ones who receive the “thank you” and aren’t the ones many consider as “lifesavers.” But the truth is, without them, police officers, firefighters and rescue personnel would never be able to save us when we need saving, and they would never be able to get to us in emergency situations.

Dispatchers are the first ones to know our emergencies. When a 911 call comes in and they answer, saying, “911, what is your emergency?” their attention is suddenly focused on helping the caller. They listen, they offer what assistance they can over the phone and they make sure help is quickly on the way.

Unfortunately, they have an under-appreciated job, and this week was created to not only give them a “thank you,” but to raise awareness of just how important they are.

So if you know a dispatcher, or if you have been helped by one before, take the time to celebrate them, reach out to them and let them know you appreciate the job they do and the dedication they have for their profession.

As do all public safety officers — whether in the police department, the fire department or emergency medical services — they make sacrifices every day to make the world we live in a safer and better place. We may not have face-to-face interactions with them during our emergency situations, but those interactions we do have can be life changing.

Thanks to Suffolk’s fine, dedicated public safety communications officers. Keep up the good work.