April 8-14 is National Telecommunicator Week. The week observance was established in 1991 by Congress, to raise awareness of the hard work and dedication of 9-1-1 call takers, dispatchers, and telecommunications personnel.
A 9-1-1 operator assumes many roles as part of their job and works quietly behind the scenes, taken for granted until the day someone needs their services. 9-1-1 operators are an amazing group of professionals who provide an invaluable life-line to the person in need until emergency personnel can arrive on-scene.
Dispatchers are the calm voice of reason in the midst of chaos; friend, confidante, and guidance in a time of need on the other end of the phone to someone experiencing a meltdown and having their world crashing around them. They're not only responsible for getting Police, Fire, or EMS on their way, but they also have to track, monitor the status, and provide information, to emergency personnel until the situation comes to an end.

The Ottawa County Central Dispatch Authority is committed to providing one point of contact for all emergency situations in Ottawa County. Central Dispatch is staffed 24 hours a day with Call Takers, Communication Specialists, and Supervisors to ensure that calls are handled with urgency, and ensure the proper agency responds as quickly as possible. The staff is comprised of employees committed to serving the public during times of crisis, with courtesy and professionalism.

The Ottawa County Central Dispatch Authority was established in 1989 to build a Central Dispatch system and implement enhanced 9-1-1. Ottawa Central Dispatch began operation in March 1991. Central Dispatch handles all requests for Public Safety service in Ottawa County. Central Dispatch also provides radio communication services for all public safety agencies in Ottawa County. Central Dispatch receives requests for and handles dispatch of all police, fire, and medical emergencies in Ottawa County and the entire City of Holland.

To serve as the communications link between the citizens, visitors, and public safety agencies of Ottawa County, by providing an effective method of accessing emergency services through professional and courteous public safety communication and dispatch services.