The Pella Police Department is reminding the public of the first responders that are the lifeline between those in trouble and getting the help they need.

Administrative Services Manager Marcia Slycord says their staff of five 911 dispatchers are always working hard to handle new calls and challenges while responding to emergencies.

“The state and national legislators that dispatchers are considered first responders,” she says. “They are the first link to the caller, they’re the voice in the darkness when a caller is alone — that connection is huge.”

As part of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, Lead Communications Specialist Shelly Sample wants to remind the public that they remain available 24/7 to help anyone in need and make sure the response from police, fire, and EMS is always appropriate and timely.

The following individuals are part of the Pella Police 911 Center:
Kaci Visser – 18 years
Heather Malone – 8 years
Shelly Sample – 8 years
Bethany Hileman – 2 years
Paighton Malek – 1 1/2 years
Marcia Slycord (supervisor) – 38 years

Hear more about the Pella Police Department Communications Staff on today’s Let’s Talk Pella