As times change with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Pella Police Department is reminding the public of the first responders trying to keep everyone safe.

Marcia Slycord has served with the Pella PD for 35 years and is the Communications Supervisor of the department, and says their staff of five 911 dispatchers are working hard to handle new calls and challenges while responding to emergencies.

Slycord says as part of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, she wants to remind the public while the types of questions dispatchers ask have changed, 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 – 16 years
Holly Sowards – 14 years
Heather Malone – 5 years
Shelly Sample – 5 years
Bethany VanKooten – 7 months
Marcia Slycord – 35 years