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    Pennsylvania ❤s 911 Operators

    Working for 911 is challenging. It takes a lot of heart and emotional fortitude to stand by people in their scariest moments. Tell our 911 operators thank you for everything they do to keep us safe.

    Share Your Story

    Love from Pennsylvanians

    Pennsylvanians from across the Commonwealth took time to tell their stories and send notes of gratitude to our hardworking 911 operators. Read their submissions below.

    Governor's Proclamation for Telecommunicators Week 2026
    I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for everything you have done. Your unwavering hard work and commitment have not gone unnoticed, and I truly appreciate the effort you put in each day. It is your dedication that makes a significant difference. 🙌

    — Erik Baran, Luzerne County

    Saved My Life

    Twenty years ago, your immediate response got paramedics to me in time to save my life. My family and I are so grateful to you all. — Doreen and Robert Woolfolk, Luzerne County

    A couple embraces.
    Thank you to all the 911 dispatchers for their crucial and often unseen work in keeping our communities safe, especially during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week! 

    — Bryan Mazzetti, Beaver County

    I am so proud of every single one of our dispatchers. I've listened to so many of their worst calls and they are incredible at staying calm and helpful during someone else's time of need. They really are the unseen heroes behind every emergency response.


    — Kristen Rowlands, Luzerne County

    Motion graphic of a greeting card opening and closing.

    Download the Card

    Download a print-friendly version of Pennsylvania's thank-you card for 911 operators. 

    Download the Card
    Thank you to the dispatchers on my shift and all the dispatchers nationwide for the thankless job you do daily. It goes unnoticed most times but know you are appreciated by many. You are all very special humans because not everyone can do this job! Thank you and enjoy this week that is for you!!


    — Jaime McClellan, Blair County

    January 12, 2025:  I suspected Bruce (age 61) was having a stroke .One of the scariest days of our lives. The operator was calm/ asked questions to determine what was going on and confirmed that she suspected same thing. stayed on the line till ambulance arrived. Kind, professional, and caring.


    — Lisa Brandt & Bruce Slater, Mercer County

    I Love My Job

    I love my job as a 911 telecommunicator. It’s the most rewarding and fulfilling job I’ve experienced! Every experience where I know my actions directly helped someone is meaningful, but childbirths and CPR saves always stay with me. —Luke Grim, Monroe County

    Work For 911
    A 911 operator monitors several screens at his work station.
    Thank you 911 for being the lifeline to getting services to us in our time of crisis or need. You are all first responders like myself, not a secretary. Please support the 911 bill for the dispatchers in PA. Thank you for your service. God bless and please take care of yourselves....

    — Trish Brownlee, Westmoreland County

    Thank you Elk County OES dispatchers! Sometimes it's tough to comprehend all the tasks you are negotiating simultaneously at the 911 center from the other side of the radio. You are appreciated!

    — Chief Tom Nicklas , City of St. Marys PD , Elk County

    Thank you, Kayla! I will never forget the kindness, calmness, and compassion you gave me over the phone as I was experiencing the very worst moments of my life.

    — Krysta Climo, Beaver County

    True Heroes

    My sister, Deb Shaw, was a Blair County dispatcher for nearly 20 years. Anytime we’ve needed 911, we could imagine her being the one on the other end of the phone guiding us and touching our hearts in the midst of our frightening moments. So many don’t realize the cost associated with giving so much of yourselves, to strangers, so they won’t be alone.


    — Bonny Brown, Franklin County

    A man wears a county 911 polo.
    Thank you to all the dispatchers around the state! A special thank you to my team for going above and beyond for the citizens and visitors of our communities. 

    — Rose Anne, Elk County

    Thank you to all the 911 operators for your dedication to our safety. Your resilence, compassion, and professionalism shine in every call. You are the calm in the storm, providing support in our vulnerable moments. I am truly grateful for everything you do. You make a difference. 

    — Danielle Crossan, Delaware County

    Dispatchers are the unsung heroes of emergency services. I admire them for being there andevery day and every hour. I am happy to be retired and proud of the job I did. God bless you all. 

    — Lynne, Bucks County

    I don't think the public understands what 911 dispatchers and calltakers go through. I worked 29 years and it changes you. May God bless each and every one of these unsung heroes of Delaware County and beyond. Thank you for all you do. 

    — Bonnie, Delaware County

    PERSONAL STORY

    Inspiration

    I want to send a special thank you to my best friend Reed, the reason I am now a dispatcher in Tennesee today. Without him and his passion and love for what he does, I never would have took the leap and be where I am today. Thank you, Reed, and every single dispatcher across the nation. — Amber Keeney, Juniata County

    The sun sets over Tennessee mountains and wilderness.
    Thank you to our amazing 9-1-1 Dispatchers in Delaware County. Those who answer the phone and treat us with respect in our time of need. 

    — Jay, Delaware County

    Thank you for always answering the call. I am a 911 dispatcher in CT but my family resides in Bucks County where I was a first responder decades ago. Stay safe.

    — Susan, Bucks County

    As a former volunteer EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) I have the utmost respect and admiration for the Emergency Dispatchers whose formidable task is to ensure that the appropriate emergency services are sent to deal with every emergency situation. Emergency Services could not function otherwise.

    — Stephen E. Steffan, York County

    Couldn't Have Asked for More That Day

    We woke up one morning to find that our barn was on fire. My young son called 911, my husband tried to put out the fire, while another son and I tried to rescue the animals. The dispatcher worked diligently to get the information and get us help. It felt like only a matter of minutes until there was help from the fire departments. I couldn't have asked for more that day. We were able to talk with the dispatchers afterwards and thank them. Both my husband and I come from the EMS world, so they truly are our friends. We respect them and appreciate the work they do. We are forever grateful for them helping our family on a difficult day that could have turned out far, far worse. — Melissa Doyle, Lycoming County

    Peaceful red barrn on a sunny day.
    Thank you for your hard work and dedication!! You're a valuable asset to our community!! Love you, Syd!

    — Debbie Gatten, Washington County

    It's a special connection being an EMS provider on the street with family and friends in the 911 center working with us. Thank you all for what you do ❤️

    — Lydia, Dauphin County

    Calmed Me Down

    I was involved in a car accident and had my father in the car. When I called I knew it was Ronnie, and she calmed me all down!  — JoAnne O'Donnell, Delaware County

    Close-up of a car that has been rear-ended.
    As a first responder myself, I can't tell you what it means to me, my family, friends, and anyone who knows me. I'm all about showing appreciation to all my brothers and sisters! Thank you all from the deepest part of my heart. ❤️

    — Sam Davis, Berks County

    We are ultimately fortunate to have first responders to care for the critically impaired. You don't get enough praise. It's a thankless job. Families should be more thankful you save. PROUD OF IT ALWAYS!!!

    — Ellen Markel, Allegheny County

    Thanks for all the hard work and hours you put in to make sure people get taken care of and the emotional toll you guys must take every day. I applaud you all for it, thank you!

    — Tiffany Duncan , Washington County

    Saving lives every single day without fail. Kudos!

    — Amy Reinhardt, Lackawanna County

    It takes a very special person to be a 911 telecommunicator - thank you for being that person! You are appreciated more than we could ever say!

    — Ruth M. , Cumberland County

    Holidays and Weekends

    My wife is a police dispatcher for Delaware County. She is the hardest working person I know and cares so much about the community. She has to sacrifice holidays and weekends and time with her family. Police dispatchers and 911 call takers are so important and deserve more recognition for all they do. Thank you to my incredible selfless wife, all the police dispatchers, 911 call takers, and emergency communication workers in Pennsylvania. — Amy Scone, Delaware County

    Christmas lights in a cozy living room.
    Thanks to the hardworking and conscientious professionals at York County 911 for always being there for us, when our worst days come to pass. You are the best of us. 

    — York Township EMA, York County

    Thankful for badge 164 and all the hard work she puts in! Thank you Kenzie Hinson and ALL 911 operators for your hard work and resilence!! 

    — Anna, Allegheny County

    Happy Telecommunicator Week, Blair 911. Thanks for all you do!!

    — Emily, Blair County

    Thanks to my son and to all the other TCOs for their dedication and hard work for the great job that they do day in and day out. They are the real heroes in public safety because everything starts with you.

    — George Stouffer, Westmoreland County

    Thank you for sleepless days and nights so that I can have peace of mind! Wishing many blessings for good health to you all!

    — The Malie Family, Westmoreland County

    Knew I Was in Good Hands

    I had a stroke 10 years ago. While in the ambulance, I heard the voice of the 911 operator, who I personally knew. I immediately felt relaxed and knew I was in good hands.  —Bonnie, Clinton County

    Two paramedics work on someone in an ambulance.
    50 years in Emergency Dispatch. I love helping people. 

    — Cindy Emlet, Blair County

    Thank you, Fayette County dispatchers.

    — Pete Pasqua, Fayette County

    Thank you for all that you do for our fire, EMS. police, and beyond. I know it's hard dealing with all of us, but you guys keep it together! Thank you!!!

    — Ryan Nichols, Fayette County

    Thank you for all that you do for our fire, EMS. police, and beyond. I know it's hard dealing with all of us, but you guys keep it together! Thank you!!!

    — Ryan Nichols, Fayette County

    You Are Our World

    My personal experience comes from being on receiving end of the line. I just want people to know, when that call comes in, you are our whole world. Nothing matters but helping you one hundred percent when the call comes in. We may not always sound friendly, but what you are hearing is the razor focus in our voices. We care more about helping you than about your feelings in that moment, & that's because we love you. 💛🫂 —Bethany TCO175, Washington County

    A Pennsylvania 911 operator works at her station, surrounded by red decorative string lights.
    Thankful and grateful for all the TCO's within Pennsylvania, but especially thankful for my one in Washington County! Thank you for everything you do behind the mic!

    — Maria Cuccaro, Washington County

    Glad to have the 911 dispatchers during our fire calls to count on.

    — Richard Yost, Lackawanna County

    May 10th will be 31 years and still going strong. 20 years TCO and 11 as supervisor. Some say, "Why so long?  My answer: "'Cause I still make a difference". 

    — Scott Lucy, Washington County

    God bless and protect each of you heroes! Ziva and I were honored to be invited to visit you all! We respect and value your work!

    — Valerie Faris, Fayette County

    My Son Went Missing

    My six-year-old son wandered away from our home, and I searched and searched until my legs wouldn't carry me anymore. I couldn’t find him. I was frantic. He’s autistic; 911 helped to dispatch the state police and search dogs, even a helicopter. It took us 2½ hours, but they found him. Or, he found them. He ran to the only female officer that was part of the team and wrapped his arms around her. I will never ever forget the effort and the professionalism and care by everyone involved. It was the scariest day of my life and you got everyone here in a hurry. He returned to us safe and sound. Thank you for everything that you do. It means more than you could ever know. — Melissa, Chester County

    Sun shines through tall trees in the woods.
    Thank you for always being there. Lord knows you have helped me several times. Always friendly, professional, and helpful. God bless you all. We couldn't survive without you. ❤️ 

    — Cindy Simpson, Butler County

    Thanks for all the hard work and dedication. Always professional. Thanks on behalf of Clarion County police and fire calls group.  

    — Bruce, Clarion County

    No matter how hard this job can be just always think about how rewarding it also is. We are the first point of contact in saving someone's life. 💕

    — Alyssia Glagola, Washington County

    A woman's face is lit up by her phone screen in the middle of the night.

    So grateful for you all!

    Trevor Harris answered my call at 2:30 a.m., with the overwhelming sound of six smoke alarms going off in the background. I tried to explain over the ear- breaking noise [that] I saw no smoke, but I didn’t know what to do. Thankfully, Trevor did. He located where I was, and sent out a team to evaluate the situation in a historical building in downtown Philipsburg. The fire chief was at the building in less than five minutes of my call! These people are amazing! — Faith Maguire, Centre County

    From one 911 dispatcher (in Georgia) to all Pennsylvania 911 dispatchers: THANK YOU for continuing to choose this enviornment where we can help people on their worst days.

    — Tori, Georgia

    Shoutout to all the 911 dispatchers, doing the job most people cannot do. Espicially you, Mom, for serving the people of the county. Thank you and I love you.

    — Andrew Kozlofski, Luzerne County

    Thank you for always staying diligent when I call from KH1. And for calling us for those constant hang ups! Couldn't do my job without you! Thank you for all you do!

    — Jenn Webb, KH1 Switchboard, Armstrong County

    As an EMT, I truly appreciate the dispatcher’s role in aiding us to help others, while keeping us safe.

    — Christle Bowsman, Juniata County

    “First to be blamed but last to be thanked.” Thank you to anyone who sits behind the console & controls the chaos. You are truly appreciated.

    — Ciarra Calabrese, Pike County

    I’m a former dispatcher for Penn Hills P.D. I dispatched for 9 years. I know it can be a very stressful job and also a rewarding one at the same time. You are the unsung heroes of public safety! Congratulations on the work you do!

    — Phil Pusateri, Westmoreland County

    Thank you to all the 911 operators, our first line of defense; but a special shout out to my daughter, Amanda! Very proud of her!

    — Julie Colon, Montgomery County

    Thank you for the sometimes overwhelming emotional work you put in to provide for our community. God bless you.

    — Tammy Staph, Lawrence County

    I would like to say thank you to my son, Bryce Norman, for his dedication to the job. Not only does he answer the call, he also responds as an EMT/firefighter in his off time.

    — April Streznetcky, Susquehanna County

    As a Red Cross volunteer who responds to aid with disasters, I know where the helping first begins. Thank you for being calm, cool, and collected, and helping while someone's world is falling apart.

    — Roy Preuninger, Northampton County

    9:28 a.m. March 27, 2025

    As a County Commissioner and first responder, I’m deeply grateful to the men and women that take the call and deliver emotional support while giving direction and getting the first responders in route simultaneously! Compassion, service, and strength are the three qualities they each must exude!

    — Kevin Boozel, Butler County

    To the many 911 staff I have known over my 40+ years in fire and EMS, a giant THANK YOU for what you do!

    — Ceil Kitchen,Allegheny County

    Comments are reviewed by Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency staff before being added to this guestbook. Imagery is for artistic purposes only.