The voices you hear in an emergency are rarely seen, but across Northern Nevada, they are always there when it matters most.
This week, agencies across the region are recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed April 12 through April 18, 2026, honoring the people who answer emergency calls and coordinate responses behind the scenes.
The City of Reno says the week highlights the critical role dispatchers play in connecting people to help. The recognition dates back to 1981, when it was first established by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office in California.
In Reno, dispatchers handle a constant stream of calls. In 2025 alone, Reno Dispatch processed 179,211 calls to 9-1-1, with an average answer time of eight seconds. On a typical day, the center handles about 1,200 calls, including emergency, non-emergency, and administrative calls, working to process them in under three minutes.
"I am so proud of our dispatchers here in the Biggest Little City as they are answering calls at all hours of the day, ensuring our residents can get the assistance they need,” said Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve. “I thank every one of them for their dedication to the role and hard work to keep our community safe.”
Reno Dispatch serves as the primary communication link for multiple agencies, including the Reno Police Department, Reno Fire Department, University Police Services, and the Reno Marshal’s Office. Calls range from fires and burglaries in progress to medical emergencies, domestic disputes, and missing people.
In Sparks, dispatchers are also being recognized, with this year’s theme, “Dispatching Through the Decades,” focusing on how the profession has evolved.
Sparks Police say the job has shifted from handwritten logs and radio-only communication to advanced 9-1-1 systems, mapping technology, and integrated emergency networks. Despite those changes, they say one thing has remained the same: the steady voice guiding people through emergencies.
Sparks emergency communications dispatchers answered more than 163,000 calls over the past year. The department says those calls often place dispatchers in a position to make a critical difference in emergencies.
The team includes a wide range of experience levels, from those just starting out to others with more than two decades on the job, including one dispatcher nearing 28 years of service.
Earlier this week, Sparks Mayor Ed Lawson issued a proclamation recognizing the week and honoring dispatchers for their work. The department is also marking the occasion with activities throughout the week to thank staff for their service.
Both Reno and Sparks officials say the week is a reminder of the role dispatchers play every day, often without recognition, helping ensure emergency responders can reach people when they need it most.
From 2 News Nevada, we thank these dispatchers for the work they do every day and the role they play in keeping our communities safe.
