April 10-16 is a time to celebrate and thank telecommunications personnel who serve
our communities, citizens, and public safety personnel 24 hours a day, seven days
a week. On September 10, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill
1945, recognizing the heroic work of public safety dispatchers by changing the classification
of public safety dispatchers from administrative or clerical workers to first responders.
The Homeland Security Act of 2002 defines the term “first responder” as “individuals
who, in the early stages of an incident, are responsible for the protection and preservation
of life, property, evidence, and the environment.”
Related Link: National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week