FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Every year, the second week of April, it’s National Public Safety Telecommunicator's Week.
“Without us the information doesn’t get to the officers, this is a very vital position to all law enforcement to all public safety to the highway patrol,” said Trae Maeder, Communications Training Officer.
Trae Maeder is one of 37 employees at the Fort Myers Regional Communications Center, which is one of seven across Florida.
Thank you @Fox4Now for allowing us to brag about our unsung hero duty officers! #NationalTelecommunicatorsWeek pic.twitter.com/vRjzuj1SNn
— FHP SWFL (@FHPSWFL) April 19, 2019
“It’s a busy place, there’s a lot going on here,” said Lieutenant Greg Bueno, Florida Highway Patrol.
Since the beginning of 2019 the center has handled 47,000 phone calls. And from April 1st to April 17th, more than 72,000 radio transmissions have been processed, if you break that down it's “about a 170 some transmissions per hour and that’s a lot,” said Lt. Bueno.
“Multitasking involved for sure we are answering the phone, while we are talking on the radio, while we are reviewing information that’s coming in from other agencies, we have to juggle all that at once,” said Maeder.
FRCC provides communications for the Florida Highway Patrol and seven other law enforcement agencies as well, covering Southwest Florida from Manatee County to Collier County.
“Having the ability to assess, reassess, and remain calm in the face of an emergency is a true talent,” said Lt. Bueno.
Even though it’s a 24-7, 365 days a year job Maeder says “very rewarding and worth it.”
Next time you dial *FHP or 911, take a second to remember, “they are unsung heroes and don’t get enough recognition for the day to day job that they do,” said Lt. Bueno.
