Syracuse Sun

Every year, the second week of April marks National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW), a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the dedication, service, and sacrifices of public safety telecommunicators. The staff of the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) within the Syracuse University Department of Public Safety (DPS) serve as a prime example of dedication, skill, and the vital importance of these individuals.

The ECC team, who manage nearly 60,000 calls annually, are highly trained personnel adept at handling a wide range of situations with calmness and efficiency. They serve as the first point of contact for the campus community in times of crisis and need, whether it's emergency calls, coordinating with DPS officers, or providing crucial information during critical incidents.

Michael Wilson, a public safety dispatcher at the ECC, emphasizes the center's role as the campus's problem-solving hub, stating, "Whether it comes to lockouts, dead car batteries, or something more serious, we can help or get a hold of the staff who can help solve the problem. We even assist our Orange family who study abroad in Florence and London."

Mateo Tarrats, the emergency communications center manager, highlights the genuine care of the ECC staff, stating, "Every single person that works on this staff is here because they care about the work they do. People gravitate towards this kind of work because they genuinely care about the well-being of others."

Operating 24/7, 365 days a year, the ECC staff demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the safety and security of students, faculty, and staff on campus. Shannon Hogue, another public safety dispatcher, expresses the rewarding aspect of their work, stating, "The most rewarding aspect is knowing every call you are going to be helping someone. We go out of our way to find answers if we do not know them already."

The ability of the ECC team to manage tens of thousands of calls annually is a testament to their individual skills and collective effort towards creating a safe and responsive campus environment. As NPSTW serves as a reminder of the essential work that happens behind the scenes, the DPS team remains dedicated to providing the best service possible to the campus community.

In need of assistance? The DPS team is available 24/7, 365 days a year at 315.443.2224. They can also be reached by dialing #78 (#SU) from your cell phone, dialing 711 from a campus landline, or by utilizing the Orange Safe app.