Rutherford County, TN - Rutherford County Mayor Joe Carr and Public Safety officials celebrate and thank the Rutherford County Telecommunicators during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
This week, sponsored by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International and celebrated annually, honors the thousands of men and women who respond to emergency calls, dispatch emergency professionals and equipment, and render life-saving assistance to the community.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed HJR 0035 into law on April 15, recognizing emergency telecommunicators as first responders.
Telecommunicators have been referred to as the calm in the midst of the storm and are often called the first of the first responders, given they are the first voices a person hears in a crisis situation.
Carr toured one of five 911 dispatch centers located in Rutherford County this week. He had lunch with some of the dispatchers who were working their shifts.
“It was an honor to have the chance to spend time with our dispatchers,” Carr said. “ I knew that we were fortunate to have the best in the industry working in Rutherford County, and I was able to see that firsthand. Their professionalism, expertise, and dedication are displayed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
Rutherford County Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh offered his thanks to the telecommunicators.
“To our amazing dispatch team of first responders, thank you for the vital work you do every day,” Fitzhugh said. “ Your calm voices, quick thinking, and dedication behind the scenes keep our community and deputies safe. We see you, we appreciate you, we couldn’t do without you. Your work does not go unnoticed.”
Rutherford County Public Safety Director Chris Clark believes our 911 operators are the most talented in the nation.
Clark said, “ Dispatchers are the unsung heroes. Each call represents lives that they impact every day.” Hear more from Clark in the video below by scrolling down...
The 911 center has been showered with donations from local businesses that want to express their appreciation for the service to the community. Communications Assistant Director Suzie Cunningham said the team is thankful for the outpouring of support. This week, the dispatchers recognized one of their own and awarded Jennifer King the 2025 Telecommunicator of the Year.
Cunningham said, “Jennifer King is a compassionate, professional, and dedicated Dispatcher. Her coworkers genuinely enjoy her caring demeanor, good attitude, and willingness to jump in and help. Jennifer has had an impressive 37-year career as a Dispatcher and a Paramedic with Rutherford County. Jennifer King is a Hero in a Headset. Her legacy of service and dedication to Rutherford County is admirable and inspiring.”
When asked about receiving Telecommunicator of the Year, King said, “ I have been in Rutherford County my whole life and I love this community. There is nothing that I would change about my career, it’s a calling.”
