National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week recognizes 9-1-1 responders

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is the week set aside each year to recognize the extraordinary work and efforts of our emergency communications officers, the true first responders and unsung heroes of 9-1-1.

Every day people depend on the skill, expertise and commitment of the men and women who work in public safety telecommunications. These individuals help save countless lives by responding to emergency calls, dispatching emergency responders and equipment, and providing moral support to citizens in distress.

Take some time this week to say thank you to the first of the first responders, always there for you!

Mayor's proclamation

Mayor Naheed Nenshi has proclaimed April 10-16 as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in the city of Calgary. This proclamation recognizes the work done every day by the more than 300 emergency communications officers to ensure that they are meeting service standard and offering
their best to the citizens of Calgary.

Calgary 9-1-1 celebrates 10th anniversary

In 2006, the call centres for Calgary Police Service, Calgary Fire Department and Calgary Emergency Medical Services were combined to create Calgary 9-1-1. Over the past 10 years, Calgary 9-1-1 has evolved and grown. From the launch of Text to 9-1-1 capabilities for Deaf, hard of hearing and speech impaired communities, to becoming an Accredited Centre of Excellence in the field of medical call evaluation by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED).

Calgary 9-1-1 strives to be the model of excellence in public safety in Canada. As one of the only tri-services 9-1-1 centre in Alberta, Calgary 9-1-1 is committed and dedicated to making the city and surrounding areas safe for all citizens.

Submitted by Erin Madden and Kaila Lagran, Community Services

Working together, 9-1-1 emergency communication officer helps woman save husband’s life

It’s normal to wake up from a nightmare momentarily disoriented, short of breath and heart pounding. Unpleasant as they are, it usually only takes a few minutes to settle down and go back to sleep.

But for Ann Scrymgeour, there would be no rest to follow once awoken in the darkest hours of the night – and her life – by the very real nightmare happening beside her.

Jack, her husband of 43 years, lay unresponsive in the midst of a heart attack. Shaking off the panic that threatened to paralyze her, Ann quickly phoned 9-1-1.

“9-1-1 for what city?” answered Emergency Communication Officer (ECO) Steven Haggblad, stating the standard greeting for the service that also answers calls for the areas surrounding Calgary, such as Airdrie and Okotoks.

In less than a minute, Steven had collected the initial details and dispatched the appropriate emergency responders. Within two minutes of answering, Steven was coaching Ann through CPR chest compressions. With EMS enroute, Ann performed more than 600 chest compressions on her husband, successfully bringing him back to life not only once, but twice.

The arrival of emergency personnel was an overwhelming relief for both Ann and Steven, who were then able to turn Jack’s care over to EMS knowing they’d done everything possible in those critical early moments to save his life.

When he finally regained consciousness after several days in hospital, Ann’s nightmare slowly began to loosen its grip. It let go completely when the doctor told them the heart attack caused no brain damage or long-term memory loss.

“How does one say thank you when there just aren’t words,” Ann shared in a thank-you card she wrote to Steven shortly after Jack’s release.

“God sent me an angel named Steve who coached me on CPR and we got Jack’s breath back twice, which the emergency doctor said saved Jack’s life,” Ann wrote, adding that Jack was doing “so well.”

The letter sincerely conveyed the family’s heartfelt gratitude to Steven, but Ann and Jack still wanted to thank him in person. On September 10th, they got their wish. The hugs and tears of gratitude embraced everyone in the moment, made extra special when Ann and Jack presented Steven with a Lifesaver pin, an honour bestowed upon ECOs who help save a life.

9-1-1 is indeed a lifeline when someone’s health or safety is at risk. As the first of the first responders, 9-1-1 serves as that critical link between citizens and the emergency help they need. With over one million calls a year and an average answer time of six seconds, your 9-1-1 is one of the largest Public Safety Answer Points in Canada.

Learn more about 9-1-1 at calgary.ca/911 including tips on when and how to call, and how to prevent accidental calls.

The City's guide to Stampede parading

It's that time of year again... rodeos, midway, shows, exhibitions and everything country. Those of us who know it, know it well.

The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth kicks off tomorrow with the Stampede Parade and The City will be there to help you get around, view the parade, clean up and stay safe.

Getting around
Biking & Walking
Cycle your way down to the Stampede Parade using the city centre cycle track network or ride along part of Calgary's 800 kms of pathways and bikeways.

Take extra caution when passing through intersections. Most Stampede time pedestrian collisions occur on Friday and happen at traffic signals, when vehicles are making right hand turns. It’s important to watch out for one another so we can all enjoy a safe Stampede.

Calgary Transit
Effective the evening before parade day, 'round the clock transit service and discounted day passes will be available for Stampede week.

During the parade about 350,000 float-fanatics line the 4.5 km parade route, so many downtown transit routes will be on detour. Thousands make their way to the Stampede Grounds afterwards and can use bus, CTrain and walking options from the parade to the grounds.

Transit impacts on parade day will include detours for some regular and express bus services.

Driving
There will be a number of road closures to accommodate events all over the city during the Calgary Stampede (July 3-12). Spectators travelling to the Stampede Parade are encouraged to walk, bike or use transit to get into the downtown core.

Road and parking impacts on parade day will include several parking lot closures.

Viewing the parade
The City has reserved and will monitor eight accessible Stampede Parade viewing zones along the parade route for people with mobility challenges (canes, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters) and their friends/families.

Space is limited, so get there early! Look for barricades and signs. If space remains in the viewing areas after 8 a.m., they will be opened up to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

The City in action
Street sweeper critters have been a Stampede tradition for nearly 15 years, bringing joy to parade goers and youth at the Children's Hospital that are unable to travel to the Stampede parade --  the most rewarding event of the year, according to street sweeper operators.

Representatives from Calgary Stampede, Public Safety Communications,
 Calgary Police Service, Calgary Fire Department, Alberta Health Services,
Animal & Bylaw Services, and Inspections and Permits

City staff collaborate across many departments to ensure the event flows smoothly and safely:

• Parking and traffic control will be coordinated by the Calgary Parking Authority (CPA), Roads, Calgary Police Service (CPS) and Animal & Bylaw Services (ABS).
• Calgary Emergency Management Agency will open the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and activate the Municipal Emergency Plan during the Stampede Parade to monitor and assist as required. 
• CPS have collocated their Tactical Operations Centre in the EOC. This will help to ensure the facilitation of a collaborative, coordinated and multi stakeholder response.
• Fire, ABS and CPS officers will be onsite and in communication for the duration of the Parade for immediate response.

Other Useful Info

• Calgary.ca/calgarystampede
• Calgary Police Stampede safety tips

Giving thanks for a life saved

When your child isn’t breathing, nothing is more important than getting help as quickly as possible. On January 30, 2015, Crystal Finlay found herself in that situation when she heard funny noises coming from the baby monitor in her 16-month-old daughter’s room and went to investigate. Her daughter, Avrylyn, was having difficulty breathing and was turning blue. Crystal called 9-1-1 and was transferred to Public Safety Communications (PSC), Calgary’s 9-1-1 centre, and received the help she needed to save her daughter’s life.

The Finlays travelled from Olds to Calgary on March 25 to meet Emergency Communications Officer Don Marisi, who promptly provided life-saving support over the phone that helped save their daughter.

“I don’t know what I would have done without you,” said Crystal when she finally met Marisi face-to-face. “Thank you for being there when I needed you.”

The Findlay family was invited to tour the 9-1-1 operations centre and meet Marisi. Avrylyn and her older siblings, Teyden and AJ, were delighted to also toured through an ambulance and police cruiser. 

Finding closure after a stressful event

“At times, our calls come in so quickly that we don’t get the opportunity to follow up after an intense situation or get an update on a patient’s condition,” said Marisi. “Having the opportunity to meet Crystal and her family, especially Avrylyn, is a sincere privilege because you get to speak face-to-face with the person who was on the other end of the phone during that critical moment.”

Avrylyn recovered fully from the incident and Finlay notes having the opportunity to meet Marisi helped her find closure after the stressful event.

Say #thanks911 this week

“I don’t know how [they] do it,” said Finlay. “Without [PSC], there would be a lot people who wouldn’t get by.”

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is being celebrated this week, April 12 to 18, to recognize the important role emergency communications officers play in emergency services. They are the first to answer the call for help and must use critical thinking and compassion to establish a connection with callers and get them the help they need.

Go to our Facebook event page to tell your story or just say #thanks911.

To learn more about your 9-1-1 Centre and the role of an emergency communications officer visit calgary.ca/911.

Submitted by Tanja McMorris, Public Safety Communications

Helping you stay safe this holiday season

The holiday season is about giving and being able to enjoy time with family and friends. To help you have a safe holiday season, we'd like to share a few messages.

Report Impaired Drivers initiative

Public Safety Communications – Calgary’s 9-1-1 centre – has partnered with the Calgary Police Service and Mothers Against Drunk Driving for the Report Impaired Drivers initiative.

Drunk driving is an emergency. If you see someone showing signs of driving drunk, pull over where it's safe and call 9-1-1. Do not attempt to follow the driver or place yourself in danger. Once reported, we will take all impaired driving calls seriously and will send the appropriate emergency responders.

Prevent a house fire

Did you know the winter months are some of the busiest months for the Calgary Fire Department? With everyone using more heating appliances, lighting and decorations, candles and doing more cooking, the risk of a house fire increases.

To share important fire prevention and safety information, we've put together a short video with tips to help you stay safe over this holiday season.


Just a reminder, never leave cooking and candles unattended. More tips on home safety.

Prevent accidental 9-1-1 calls

Every day, Public Safety Communications responds to about 300 pocket dial calls. It takes between 30 seconds to 10 minutes to call back each pocket dial to ensure it is not an emergency and everything is okay. And if we can’t get a hold of the person by phone, we dispatch police to the location to see if there is an issue. This costs Calgarians $1 million each year.

So what can you do? Prevent accidental calls: lock and store your phone carefully. If you do accidentally call 9-1-1, please stay on the line.

Submitted by the communications team, Community Services and Protective Services

City is prepared to accommodate displaced Calgarians

The City of Calgary is prepared to respond to any emergency situation and the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) assists in coordinating our response to large incidents where many internal and external service providers are engaged.

While our top priority during any response is public safety, we're also focused on ensuring that citizens who have been displaced from their homes during an event have safe, alternative accommodations.

Following the utility fire which affected parts of the downtown core, The Calgary Hotel Association, working with hoteliers, helped CEMA coordinate alternative accommodation for those with no other option. To date, approximately 250 rooms have been made available to those who were displaced.

As this temporary lodging is limited and affected by a variety of factors, CEMA, along with various partner agencies including The Canadian Red Cross and The Calgary Stampede, have established a group lodging facility at the Big 4 Building at Stampede Park.

Impacted residents who require more information regarding the support services available are asked to visit an Information Centre at Mewata Armoury (801 11 St. S.W.). This centre is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

ENMAX crews continue to work around the clock and remain on schedule, with a full restoration of power to the affected area expected on Thursday.

Please visit Calgary.ca for the latest information on the downtown power outages.

Update on City response to September snow event

With power now restored to the majority of Calgarians and tree cleanup well underway, The City continues to work on the aftermath of an early snowfall.

Remaining Power Outages
Crews have worked quickly to restore service to as many as possible and are pleased to report that currently the power only remains off for approximately 1,800 customers. ENMAX is working directly with impacted households to restore service. Safety remains the priority concern and houses cannot be re-energized unless it is safe to do so. Additional crews from Edmonton service areas and contractors arrived Thursday to provide extra support to Calgary operations.

If power to an area has been restored but individual households still do not have service, repairs may be required to the individual connection point on the home itself.

Calgarians with a damaged connector (also called a “service masthead”) on their home need to hire a qualified tradesperson to complete repairs. Contractors are able to quickly apply for all necessary permits to get customers connected without delay. Calgarians remain responsible for ensuring all proper permits are obtained and should ensure their contractor has applied for the proper permits. This can be verified by contacting 311 or 403-268-5311. More information is available on Calgary.ca.

Trees and debris
Since September 9, approximately 3,830 tree emergencies were reported to 311 on both private and public property. The City remains focused on clearing those trees damaged prior to assessing any longer term impacts.

We are asking for the patience of all Calgarians as we continue cleanup efforts. The City also asks citizens to help friends and neighbours with their cleanup on private property if it is safe to do so and within their physical abilities. Please be safe when assisting others. Wear appropriate safety gear and call for help if downed branches or trees are near a power line. If it’s safe to do so:

• Collect and take tree debris directly to any of The City’s three City landfill sites and it will be accepted at no charge. The City will be mulching the debris for future use.
• Debris should be cut into no more than four foot lengths and stacked as neatly as possible close to where regular cart collection would take place. Do not block lanes, roads or sidewalks.
• Do not put branches and tree debris into black and blue collection carts. This debris clearing will operate as a separate program than regular cart collection. Put branches beside your black and blue carts.

When contacting 311, use an online solution if possible to avoid long wait times. Fill out the online form for fallen trees or download the City’s 311 mobile app for iPhone and Android to report a concern.

Residents who have already contacted the City with a tree-related complaint and nothing has changed, should avoid calling back. If a situation changes and poses an immediate danger, please call 911.

Impacted City Recreation Facilities
Recreation staff worked diligently through the day and evening to address issues at eleven arenas, aquatic facilities and Wildflower Arts Centre which were closed until Wednesday. All impacted facilities have now re-opened. Debris is also being picked up at City-operated golf courses that we aim to begin re-opening this weekend. Recreation operated athletic parks remain closed due to fallen trees and wet conditions and will be re-opened as debris is removed and conditions improve. Check our recreation facility status tool for the current status of all recreation facilities.

Due to the current closure of some City parks and pathways, outdoor events planned for this weekend may need to be relocated or cancelled. The City will continue to work with event organizers to advise of any impacts to public events.

More information updates are available at www.calgary.ca.

Tips for power interruptions

The City of Calgary continues to respond to the effects of the recent heavy snowfall. Public safety is our top priority.

Some Calgarians remain without power, and ENMAX is working quickly to restore power to affected areas. Debris from broken trees is still present and City crews are working throughout the night to clean up.

If you or someone you know is still experiencing a power outage, please consider some of the following:

• For emergency or life threatening situations - call 911
• For non urgent health advice call Health Link Alberta at 1 866 408 5465.
• Turn off or disconnect any appliances or electronic equipment you were using at the time of the outage.
• Keep one light switched on so you know when the power comes back on.
• Think safety! Do not use any gas or charcoal BBQs or devices as they can cause an increase of Carbon Monoxide gas which can result in serious and life threatening illness.
• The indoor use of candles should be avoided. Battery operated lights provide a better and safer light source.
• Generators should not be used indoors. Converse heat by keeping windows and doors closed, and paying special attention to young children, the elderly, and those with chronic medical conditions.
• With temperatures expected to hover just below 0 degrees Celsius, often wearing a hat or sweater and use of a blanket can provide enough warmth to keep you comfortable.
• Use of a battery-powered or hand-crank radio can keep you informed of important updates.
• Keep your freezer and refrigerator doors closed to keep food cold for many hours. Most food will keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Dairy products should be discarded after six hours. Items in the freezer will last 12 to 48 hours, depending on how full the freezer is and what kinds of food are stored inside.

Updates on ENMAX outages can be found at www.enmax.com/outages. City service updates can be accessed through www.calgary.ca.

Snowfall tree debris management

Recent snowfall has caused damage to many trees throughout the city, leaving tree debris on both private property and City property.

All three City landfills – Spyhill, Shepard and East Calgary – are accepting tree debris from the snowstorm at no charge until further notice. Customers arriving at the scalehouse should identify that they are bringing tree debris and must not mix the debris with any other waste material for it to be accepted free of charge.

Beginning Saturday, September 13, citizens can also access all 33 of The City's leaf and pumpkin drop-off locations to dispose of damaged tree limbs.

Alternatively, tree debris can be cut into 4-foot pieces in length and stacked beside waste and recycling carts to be picked up with regular collection or at a later date, depending on our resources.

To help keep regular garbage and recycling pickup on schedule, and to avoid damaging City equipment, we ask that Calgarians do not put tree debris in their blue, black or green carts.

Calgarians may notice a disruption with City services such as power outages in City facilities and delayed garbage and recycling collection due to tree debris blocking back lanes. We thank Calgarians for their patience as City crews work to manage all effects of the recent snowfall.

Please be safe as many drooping tree limbs still pose a safety threat. We continue to work on a debris management plan and will communicate with Calgarians later today how we will be proceeding. At this time, we are still focused on emergency response to fallen tree debris on roads and impacts from power outages throughout the city. Safety is our current priority.

Contact information for snowfall-related emergencies

Due to the recent snowfall and its impact on trees that have not yet shed their leaves, City personnel at our 311 and 911 call centres are responding to high call volumes to support Calgarians. Please see the information below to help identify who to contact in various situations.

CALL 911 to report life threatening emergencies including:
- Power lines that are sparking or on the ground

CONTACT 311 to report fallen tree limbs including:
- Trees leaning on power lines
- Tree emergencies, including limbs that have fallen on roadways, houses and vehicles
- Every fallen tree limb that is reported will be recorded in our database and placed on a map to determine priorities
- Download the 311 mobile app for iPhone and Android or use the online form to report your concern without any wait time

ENMAX is aware of power outages across the city
- Stay informed on power outage status at enmax.com/outages or receive updates on the ENMAX Power Trouble line at 403-514-6100
- If a tree touches a power line from a power pole to your house, or to report your damaged power line, call 403-258-8232
- If your power is out and you need to report a 911 emergency
          1. Use a landline plugged into a phone jack
          2. Use a cell phone.
          3. If your cell-phone does not have battery charge, go to a trusted neighbour’s house, nearest emergency station (Police/Fire), or commercial establishment.

City continues to manage fallen/damaged trees from early snowfall

Due to the recent and anticipated overnight snowfall, The City of Calgary has been working to manage concerns regarding fallen/damaged tree limbs, including damage assessment and tree removal.

Trees that pose a risk to public safety will be the main priority. Currently 311 is experiencing higher than normal call volumes and we appreciate your patience as we work to prioritize our efforts.

What to do

• If a tree has fallen and poses a life threatening emergency or if a power line is sparking or on the ground, please stay away and contact 911
• If your tree has fallen on your private property and does not pose a danger, contact a local arborist
• To report a City tree that has fallen on your property, or any other fallen tree on City property such as a pathway, road or sidewalk, please use the 311 mobile app for iPhone and Android under the category "Report concern not listed" or use the online form to report your concern without any wait time
• ENMAX is aware of power outages throughout the city. Find updated information on power outages at enmax.com/outages or via the Trouble Line at 403-514-6100
• Brush and debris may be taken to any of The City's three landfills free of charge

Additional Information

• Trees blocking highly used traffic and pedestrian areas, access routes for emergency vehicles, or those at risk of falling are also a priority.
• Trees down on back lanes are the responsibility of the adjacent homeowner to remove.
• After a storm event like this, it’s a good time to inspect your own trees for storm damage. Consider hiring a company that employs International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborists to perform the inspection. For more information and other tips, visit calgary.ca/trees
• All three City landfills will accept tree debris from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Garbage and recyclables will not be accepted after 5:00 p.m. Tipping fees continue to be waived for all tree debris that is not mixed with other garbage.
• Beginning Saturday, September 13, citizens can access all 33 of The City's leaf & pumpkin drop-off locations to dispose of damaged tree limbs.

9-1-1: We speak your language

The City of Calgary’s 9-1-1 centre connects citizens with the emergency services they need whether it be police, fire or medical. But what happens when a caller doesn’t speak English?

“Calgary is a diverse community and a popular tourist destination and we strive to provide the best service possible, regardless of what language is spoken,” says Commander Richard Hinse.

When a call comes in from someone who doesn’t speak English, a language service is accessed via telephone to help the emergency communications officer obtain pertinent information on the caller’s emergency.

“The language service we use provides interpreters for more than 200 languages,” says Emergency Communications Officer Ayuz Mukadam. “Using the interpreter we get the information we need to send the appropriate first responders.”

Translation available any time you call

This service is available to emergency communications officers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Just last month we received more than 200 calls from citizens whose primary language was not English,” says Commander Hinse. “We were able to connect people speaking 26 different languages to the emergency services they needed.”

Staff also speak multiple languages

Assisting citizens doesn’t always involve accessing the language service. The 9-1-1 centre is a diverse workplace and a number of staff speak a second or multiple languages. Where possible, efforts are made to match an emergency communications officer that speaks the same language with the caller.

“You can really sense the relief in a caller’s voice when they are able to communicate with us in their native language,” says Emergency Communications Officer Mukadam, who also speaks Kutchi, a language spoken in the Kutch region of the Indian state of Gujarat as well as in the Pakistani province of Sindh. 

“It’s very rewarding to be able to connect callers with the emergency services they need on what could be the worst day of their lives, regardless of what language they speak."

Read more about www.calgary.ca/911.

Submitted by Tanja McMorris, Public Safety Communications 

Public Safety Communications members shave their lids for kids’ cancer

Helping others is not just a job for The City of Calgary’s emergency communications officers (ECO) -- it's part of who they are. On Friday, July 18, several ECOs with Public Safety Communications shaved their heads for a Kids Cancer Care Foundation fundraiser.

ECO Jacqui Skelton's head shaved by Commander Richard Hinse,

“I am so proud of the efforts of our 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers,” said Commander Richard Hinse, who had the honour of shaving the first head. “What I’ve seen here today is a group of caring and committed individuals who believe in rallying support for causes that mean something to them.”

Dubbed 9-1-1 Life Shavers, this employee-driven event was successful in raising more than $7,000 to support kids’ cancers.

Earlier this year, one of PSC’s ECOs passed away from cancer. A few members took it upon themselves to put this fundraiser together to raise awareness and funds for cancer. Nine people took part in the head shave to show moral support for the kids who lose their hair during cancer treatments, while raising money for camp, research, hospital and scholarship programs for young people affected by cancer.

For more information on Public Safety Communications and the work this group does for Calgarians visit calgary.ca/911.

Submitted by Tanja McMorris, Public Safety Communications

Helping others is a way of life

For many of Calgary’s first responders helping others is more than just a career choice; it’s a way of life on and off the job. Staff members at The City's Public Safety Communications (PSC), or 9-1-1 Centre, are no different.

“Year after year, I never cease to be amazed at the level of generosity and spirit shown by PSC employees,” says PSC Commander Steve Dongworth. “Before the police, fire department or ambulance arrives, these are the individuals who are there for citizens by connecting them with emergency services, and the amount of volunteering and charitable giving they do around that is truly inspiring.”

Last year alone, the team of roughly 300 PSC employees collectively supported more than 60 different charitable groups and initiatives. Three such initiatives were spearheaded by Sharon Koch, Heather McEachern and Craig Broadbent.

Finding ways to give back

Sharon Koch

Sharon Koch knows firsthand the stress of having a critically ill child and this help fuel her desire to give back by helping drive several of PSC's charitable endeavours.

“I will never be able to pay back the people who helped save my child’s life, but I will spend the rest of my life trying,” explains Sharon.

Sharon routinely organizes team events to support Ronald McDonald House as well as Canadian Blood Services.

“Sometimes a shift work environment makes it tough to commit to regular volunteering so I try and find ways we can make a difference as a group, either in person or through some sort of fundraising. There is never a shortage of people willing to support these efforts and I am grateful for that.”

Snacking for a cause

Heather McEachern

Heather McEachern coordinates the PSC Snack Shack, which sells food and snack items to PSC employees. One hundred per cent of the profits made from Snack Shack sales go to support charitable causes.

“All of our charities are picked by the volunteers and the staff who work here,” says Heather. “With a group of eight super-dedicated volunteers we are able to donate several thousand dollars every year.”

Chance encounter makes a difference

One day when Craig Broadbent ventured out to buy lunch, he met a man in his early 20s who was down on his luck and battling through winter with no winter coat or boots. Craig reached out to the young man by buying him coffee and food and spending time chatting.

Craig Broadbent

Craig soon decided he needed to do more, so he enlisted the help of his fellow employees and within a few days had collected not only appropriate winter gear, but also some books and personal hygiene supplies.

“He was eager to have basic necessities like a place to sleep and a warm shower. I felt that I could help facilitate, if not in goods needed, at least in encouragement,” said Broadbent. “Within two weeks of meeting my new friend, he informed me that he had a job working nights at a nearby warehouse.”

Honouring those who help others

To help honour the commitment, dedication and selflessness of PSC personnel on the work they do connecting Calgarians to emergency services, Mayor Naheed Nenshi proclaimed April 13- 19, 2014, as Public Safety Telecommunications Week in Calgary.

To learn more about Public Safety Communications and the work this group does for Calgarians visit http://calgary.ca/911.

Mayor Proclaims April 13-19 as Public Safety Telecommunications Week

Before the police, firefighters or paramedics arrive, The City of Calgary’s emergency communications officers (ECOs) are there.

Each year, Public Safety Communications (PSC) personnel evaluate and dispatch required resources for nearly one million 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls for the Calgary Police Service, Calgary Fire Department and Alberta Health Services.

As the ‘first’ of the first responders, ECOs serve as the critical link between citizens and the emergency help they require.

Mayor Nenshi's proclamation 

In honour of the important work these individuals do and in celebration of National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi has proclaimed April 13-19 as Public Safety Telecommunications Week.


Public Safety Communications was established in 2006, integrating emergency communications officers from the Calgary Police Service, Calgary Fire Department and Calgary Emergency Medical Services. The unique model sees more than 300 trained ECOs connecting citizens with The City’s nearly 3,500 firefighters, police officers and paramedics.

For more information on Public Safety Communications visit http://calgary.ca/911.