We, the concerned citizens of Florida, urge you to recognize telecommunicators and dispatchers as first responders in our state. These dedicated professionals play a critical role in emergency response systems, yet their contributions often go unnoticed and underappreciated. It is time to rectify this oversight and grant them the recognition they deserve.

Telecommunicators and dispatchers are the lifeline between individuals in distress and emergency services. They handle distress calls, gather crucial information, provide life-saving instructions, coordinate resources, and ensure that help reaches those who need it most. Their ability to remain calm under pressure while making split-second decisions is essential for effective emergency response.

Despite their vital role in public safety, telecommunicators and dispatchers are not officially recognized as first responders in Florida. This lack of recognition denies them access to important benefits such as mental health support programs specifically designed for first responders.

To support our call for recognizing telecommunicators and dispatchers as first responders, we present the following facts:

1. The National Emergency Number Association (NENA) defines telecommunicators as "public safety professionals who serve as a critical link between individuals in need of assistance" during emergencies.
- Source: NENA website (www.nena.org

2. According to NENA's statistics:
- In 2019 alone, over 240 million calls were made to 911 across the United States.
- Telecommunicators handle an estimated 650 thousand calls every day.
- On average, it takes approximately six minutes for a dispatcher to process an emergency call.
- Source: NENA Fact Sheet (provided upon request)

3. Many states across the country have already recognized telecommunicators or dispatchers as first responders:
- California passed legislation recognizing these professionals as first responders in 2016.
- New York, Texas, and Illinois have also granted them similar recognition.
- Source: National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week website (www.npstw.org

By recognizing telecommunicators and dispatchers as first responders in Florida, we can ensure that they receive the support and resources necessary to cope with the immense stress associated with their roles. This recognition will also help attract more qualified individuals to this critical profession.

We kindly request that you take immediate action to rectify this oversight by officially designating telecommunicators and dispatchers as first responders in the state of Florida. Let us honor their dedication, professionalism, and life-saving contributions.

Together, let's make a difference for those who tirelessly serve our communities behind the scenes.

Sincerely,

Kaitlyn K. Sparks
Levy County, Florida