Special to The News

In an emergency, communications officers (once referred as dispatchers) are the first link between a caller’s often-frantic request and the timely response of the appropriate emergency teams. Their life saving efforts many times go un-noticed.

Not so for the Central Dispatch of Williamsburg County’s E-911 crew.

Director Tiffany Cooks recognized the officers as part of Telecommunications Week, which occurred April 14-18. “The phrase ”911-May I help you?” is the first thing a caller hears when they are in need of help,” said Cooks of the responders who work 12-hour shifts.

That call can be chaotic and confusing which for most of us could be overwhelming. But while the communications officer’s job can be both stressful and rather unnerving, they are trained to deal with this type of situation. “They always assist the citizens of Williamsburg County in a professional and courteous manner.” She added.

For their valiant efforts, the department hosted a luncheon where many guests such as Williamsburg County Supervisor Stanley Pasley, police chiefs from Lane and Kingstree and county council members thanked the recipients.

The afternoon was capped off with each officer receiving a certificate.

Cooks took the E-911 helm after Victor Rowell retired in January 2008. Cooks’ objective is to add phase three, taking the system, and the officers’ experience, further through cross training.

This phase will include emergency preparedness dealing with major disasters. “We need to be flexible and well planned,” said Cooks of our society’s ever-changing environment. “And this will give us the ability to handle unusual calls such as bomb threats, terrorist incidences and catastrophic events.”