Often the first, first responder in an emergency situation, dispatchers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents and emergency personnel. Last week marked National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week, and the Manchester Township Police would like to take a moment to express our appreciation for all those who answer calls for assistance, 24 hours a day; seven days a week.

photo 1The Manchester Township Police has eight full-time dispatchers led by a full-time Communications Supervisor. These civilian personnel are highly trained and hold Basic Telecommunicator Certificates, among other specialized training. They staff the Communications Section around the clock and must remain calm during stressful situations, ensuring they collect and relay accurate information.

Each year, Manchester’s telecommunicators dispatch approximately 15,000 calls for service and make nearly 77,500 entrees into the agency’s Computer Aided Dispatch system. They maintain a great working relationship with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Communications Center, where 911 calls are first answered, meaning that Manchester residents can rest assured that they are being afforded top-notch service whenever in need.

photo 2“Our police dispatchers truly have one of the most stressful careers,” said Communications Supervisor James Gant. “Providing quality service and a quick response to our residents is our primary goal, all while ensuring officer safety. I can whole-heartedly say that we have some of the best dispatchers around…dispatchers with their finger on the pulse of the Township 24 hours a day. It brings me great pride knowing that our dispatchers are at the helm of every emergency event.”