The City of Lethbridge is celebrating National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. (File photo: City of Lethbridge)

By Justin Goulet

City of Lethbridge celebrating emergency communications officers

Apr 16, 2024 | 9:06 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – In 2023, the City of Lethbridge’s Public Safety Communication Centre (PSCC) dispatched upwards of 160,000 calls.

That is one of the statistics highlighted by City officials as part of this week’s National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. It is a time aimed at recognizing the contributions of emergency communications officers (ECO) across Canada.

Officials say these individuals are “the unseen backbone of emergency services” and provide a knowledgeable presence during a crisis, while remaining calm. ECOs gather important information and dispatch emergency crews as needed.

The City’s PSCC, which operates out of Fire Station #1, serves Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES), Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) and 19 rural fire agencies in southern Alberta.

Work includes 911 calls, coordinated transfers and the processing and dispatching of critical communications.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

“We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to these dedicated professionals, who behind the scenes, coordinate our emergency response efforts,” says Kevin McKeown, the Deputy Chief of Communication and Strategy with LFES.

“Their ability to remain composed under pressure saves lives every day and keeps our emergency services running smoothly,” he adds.

Residents are encouraged to celebrate the work of these personnel throughout this week.

“We are a team of local professionals that are committed to coordinating the best possible emergency response whenever we receive a call. Every day, our ECOs demonstrate remarkable strength and resilience,” says Shelley Oriold, Deputy Chief of PSCC Operations.

On top of this awareness week, the City says LFES will regularly feature an ECO of the Month on their social media pages, giving residents the chance to learn more about the people who assist the community in a crisis.

READ MORE: Public Safety Communication Centre in Lethbridge getting upgraded

—

If you have a news tip, question or concern, please email Lethbridge.newsroom@Pattisonmedia.com.