Gov. Beshear, KSP recognize dispatchers for essential law enforcement roles
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky State Police are recognizing dispatchers for National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.
Each year, the second week of April is set aside to acknowledge those serving as telecommunicators across the country.
“Seldom seen by the citizens they serve, telecommunicators perform critical roles in delivering public safety services while calming those who are experiencing their most traumatic moment,” said Beshear. “Their dedication and service are second to none, and all of us on Team Kentucky want to thank our ‘heroes behind the headsets’ for creating a better and safer commonwealth.”
According to a release by KSP, they employ 183 telecommunicators at 16 posts located throughout the commonwealth who handle dispatch duties for KSP troopers, commercial vehicle enforcement officers, Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Conservation officers and other emergency service agencies. Last year, KSP telecommunicators answered over two million calls resulting in more than 500,000 requests for assistance.
The release further stated the governor’s unveiled two-year budget plan provided millions of dollars to fund competitive salaries for KSP telecommunicators, increasing the starting pay from $24,000 annually to $32,000. Currently, KSP telecommunicators are in the bottom 10% of lowest paid in the state. In the past five years, KSP has averaged a nearly 23% turnover rate.
“I appreciate the governor for doing the right thing and fighting for competitive salaries for our telecommunicators who serve the commonwealth with the utmost integrity, skill and dedication,” said Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Kerry Harvey. “As the 2022 Regular Legislative Session comes to a close, salary increases for KSP telecommunicators has yet to pass. I call upon my friends in the General Assembly to join us in support of KSP’s telecommunicators who are a vital link in keeping law enforcement officers and Kentuckians safe at all times, day and night.”
During National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, KSP plans to honor its dispatchers by highlighting stories and sharing photos on the agency’s social media platforms.
“The telecommunicators who serve with KSP are outstanding in their work,” said KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. “They are the first line of assistance to callers in need and remain calm when faced with stressful situations. If you know a telecommunicator, I encourage you to reach out to them and share your appreciation for what they do.”
