BEAUMONT, Texas — Every year beginning the second week of April, "headset heroes" are honored during National Public Safety Telecommunicators week.
Law enforcement agencies across the nation will recognize 911 telecommunicators for their hard work and dedication to serving the public.
911 telecommunicators serve as the 'calm voice' over the phone. They serve in critical roles from providing life-saving first aid instructions or defusing a situation before responders arrive on the scene.
Telecommunications officers in Jefferson County and surrounding agencies will be honored with gifts, food and dispatch-friendly fun.
NPSTW was founded in 1981 by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office. The local initiative started by Anderson became what is now a week-long celebration from April 14 to April 20.
The 911 emergency communications system in Southeast Texas is maintained by the South East Texas Regional Planning Commission, which went live in December of 1991.
Under House Bill 911, Jefferson County was mandated to provide 911 services to Southeast Texas residents, according to SETRPC.
911 calls originating in Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson and Orange counties are answered at 13 Public Safety Answering Points, known as PSAPs.
Here's how you can find your Public Safety Answering Point in case of an emergency:
Hardin County
Jasper County
Jefferson County
Orange County
Call 911 in case of a life or property-threatening emergency.
Most agencies have a non-emergency line for non-emergency calls in order to keep the emergency line open for true emergency calls. You can find police non-emergency numbers online.
Be sure to thank the telecommunicator for their service !
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