National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week 2026 - April 12-18 2026
Honoring the Voices Behind the Badge
This week, we proudly recognize National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week 2026 and extend our deepest appreciation to the Montezuma‑Cortez Dispatch Center, housed inside the Cortez Police Department. These 14 highly trained dispatchers are the first, calmest, and most critical link in every emergency response across our region.
Serving an Entire County — and Beyond
Montezuma‑Cortez Dispatch provides 24/7 emergency communications for:
Cortez Police Department
Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office
Mancos Marshal’s Office
Southwest Ambulance / EMS
Cortez Fire Protection District
Lewis‑Arriola Fire & Rescue
Pleasant View Fire & Rescue
Dolores Fire & Rescue
West Fork Fire & Rescue
Rico Fire & Rescue
Mancos Fire & Rescue
They also provide part‑time and after‑hours dispatching for:
Mesa Verde National Park
Dolores County Sheriff’s Office
The Workload Behind the Headsets
Montezuma County dispatchers answer around 60,000 calls a year — roughly 165 calls every single day. Every one of those calls represents a moment when someone needed help, reassurance, or lifesaving action.
Training That Never Stops
Dispatchers undergo:
Multiple weeks of industry‑specific and medical classroom instruction
Three months of on‑the‑job training
FEMA coursework
Specialized training in Text‑to‑911, Prepared911, RapidSOS, and other advanced systems
Multiple federal clearances required before they can work independently
Their expertise is built through dedication, discipline, and constant learning.
Always On Duty
This job is far from a typical nine‑to‑five. Dispatchers work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring that when someone calls for help — at any hour — a trained professional is there to answer. Their quick response can be the difference between life and death.
Text‑to‑911 Available
Montezuma County supports Text 911, giving the public another way to reach help when calling isn’t possible or safe.
Local dispatchers will be honored throughout the week, and anyone who wishes to show their support is welcome to do so. Donations, gifts, or food may be dropped off at the Cortez Police Department at any time, but participation is completely optional and appreciated only if community members feel inclined.
To the Montezuma‑Cortez Dispatch Center:
Thank you for your professionalism, your calm in chaos, and your unwavering commitment to every resident, visitor, and first responder in our region.
