9-1-1 operators being honoured for service to residents of Burlington, Milton, Oakville

Halton police received about 840 calls every day last year and are celebrating a week honouring those who answered most of them in Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills.

The Halton Regional Police Service is recognizing the dedication and contributions of the 9-1-1 communicators who serve Halton Region, as yesterday marked the start of National Public Safety Communicators Appreciation Week.

“Being a 9-1-1 communicator takes a special person who cares about our community and is invested in helping ensure the best possible outcome,” said Chief Stephen Tanner.

“We can’t thank our communicators enough for the critically important work they do to support our officers and assist members of the public when they need it most. Their work is also essential to ensuring our Region remains the safest large municipality in all of Canada.”

More than 60 call takers, dispatchers, trainers, and supervisors are vital supports front-line officers and members of our community. They work 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and are the first point of contact for more than 630,000 residents in an emergency.

Last year, the service’s communicators answered 158,678 9-1-1 and 148,228 non-emergency calls, an average of approximately 840 calls each and every day.

“We know that many of the calls we receive are from people having the worst day of their lives,” said Staff Sergeant Andy Forde. “It’s also important for the public to remember that we’re human too and we’re here to help.”

Police remind residents that use of 9-1-1 should be reserved for an emergency or crime in progress. Non-emergency incidents should be reported by calling the non-emergency line, 905-825-4777.

Online reporting is also available for lower-priority incidents, while reports of minor, non-injury motor vehicle collisions should be directed to the Collision Reporting Centre.