Ashland County Invites Community to “Adopt a Dispatcher” to Celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week 2026
ASHLAND, Ohio — The voices behind every emergency call will once again be recognized as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW) returns April 12–18, 2026 and this year, the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its effort to involve the community in honoring its 9-1-1 dispatchers.
Held annually during the second week of April, NPSTW shines a spotlight on dispatchers, call-takers, and emergency communications personnel who serve as the critical first line of contact during emergencies. These professionals answer millions of calls each year, guiding callers through crises while coordinating police, fire, and EMS response.
“The week is to celebrate the first responders of the first responders,” said Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Captain David Wood. “They may not be physically on the scene, but they are emotionally and mentally there helping people through some of the worst moments of their lives and giving instructions that can save lives before crews even arrive.”
Sheriff Kurt J. Schneider echoed that sentiment, offering high praise for the county’s dispatch team and the difficult role they serve.
“I am just so proud of our staff here because they are the first people the public contacts when they’re having the worst day of their lives,” Schneider said. “Their ability to keep people calm, gather critical information, and help guide them through their problem all while remaining professional, calm, and empathetic is really beyond words to me.”
Schneider added that the role of a dispatcher is one of the most challenging positions in public safety.
“I often say I could probably do almost every job in this building, but that one is especially difficult,” he said. “It truly takes a special person to do that job, and I think we have a great team that does a fantastic job for the community.”
Now in its second year of expanded community involvement, residents are once again encouraged to show appreciation through donations, cards, and small gifts for local dispatchers. This year also brings a unique addition a therapy dispatch dog named “Scotch,” who officials say wouldn’t mind a few treats of his own.
Dispatcher Brooke Massie said the gesture is less about gifts and more about recognition.
“It’s not about the gift even a simple thank-you card means everything,” Massie said.
Community members can participate by sending notes of appreciation, providing snacks or meals, or contributing small tokens of gratitude to the communications center.
Nationally, the observance dates back to 1981, when Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office launched the initiative. It was later officially recognized by Congress in 1994. Today, it honors the roughly 240 million 9-1-1 calls handled each year across the United States.
Local officials hope the continued public involvement will help shine a brighter light on a profession that often works behind the scenes.
“Dispatchers are the link between the public and first responders,” Wood said. “You may never see them but they’re always there when you need them most.”
In this initiative, community members are invited to “Adopt a Dispatcher” a chance to show appreciation through cards, treats, or small gifts. Those interested can email massie.brooke@outlook.com or dispatch@ashlandcountysheriff.org to receive a completed questionnaire from one of the dispatchers, highlighting their preferences, favorite items, and any allergies.
