Governor Tina Kotek has proclaimed April 12–18 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Oregon, recognizing the work of 9-1-1 professionals who serve as the first point of contact during emergencies.
The recognition highlights the essential role played by public safety telecommunicators, call takers, and dispatchers across Oregon. These professionals are often called the first first responders because they provide guidance and coordinate emergency response in critical situations such as medical emergencies, wildfires, and severe weather incidents.
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) oversees the State 9-1-1 Program, which supports Oregon’s 40 Public Safety Answering Points that cover all 36 counties. The OEM team manages funding distribution, maintains network infrastructure, supports technology upgrades at local centers, provides technical assistance, and works with telecommunications providers to ensure accurate call routing. Their efforts help ensure that anyone dialing 9-1-1 in Oregon can reach help quickly and reliably.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have become increasingly important for improving caller location accuracy and enhancing mapping tools used by emergency responders. OEM collaborates with GIS professionals and local jurisdictions to improve data quality and support modernization efforts for Next Generation 9-1-1 capabilities.
Oregon is investing in new technologies to transition its emergency communications system toward Next Generation 9-1-1. This will eventually allow centers to receive not only text messages but also images, video, and improved location information from callers. OEM continues to assist local agencies through this transition by coordinating network upgrades and equipment replacement.
Established by the legislature in 1981, Oregon’s State 9-1-1 Program began implementing enhanced services for wireline communications in 2000. These enhancements allowed call takers to receive automatic number identification and location information—significantly improving emergency response outcomes. Today’s system also supports wireless calls and emerging communication technologies.
Oregon is actively recruiting new professionals for its statewide network of dispatch centers. Those interested can find more information about career opportunities on the OEM website.
During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, OEM encourages Oregonians to recognize these dedicated individuals whose professionalism helps keep communities safe.
