The County Commissioners recently took a moment to mark two important occasions: Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

Police, firefighters and emergency medical service crews are typically called first responders, but the first response in an emergency is often a telecommunicator in the 9-1-1 call center.

The Warren County Board of County Commissioners recognized those responders last week, proclaiming it as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, and offering accolades to four staffers who demonstrated their excellent skills and ability to perform during noteworthy events involving specific life or death situations.

“We recognize you today, but please know we are thankful for you every day,” County Commissioner Director James R. Kern III told the Warren County Public Safety Department employees who attended the meeting.

“The safety of our police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel is dependent upon our Telecommunicators using their skills to obtain accurate locations and critical information from citizens who contact the Warren County 9-1-1 Communications Center,” according to the proclamation from the commissioners. “Warren County Public Safety Telecommunicators therefore act in the capacity of First Responders, serving as the first and most crucial link between citizens in need of assistance and our emergency responders as they provide lifesaving instructions to those in need,” the proclamation states.

Singled out for special recognition were telecommunicators Nicole Hann, Dirk Higgins, Amanda Lozowski and Mary Schutts.

“It’s a tough job that you have. I appreciate all that you do,” Commissioner Lori Ciesla said.

Commissioner Jason J. Sarnoski pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic, saying, “Last year was unprecedented and you all took the brunt of it. It’s important that we recognize those efforts.”

When the pandemic started, Kern said, “Our first thought was the 9-1-1 call center. We understand how crucial it would be if the dispatchers were to get sick. You are the backbone, the lifeblood of the county.”

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

The Warren County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed April as Domestic Assault and Sexual Awareness Month while recognizing the Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Crisis Center for the organization’s efforts and dedication in preventing abuse, especially during the 2020 COVID pandemic.

DASACC Executive Director Jill Zinckgraf, Community Education Coordinator Ali Longo, and Community Engagement and Fund Development Coordinator Evan Austin accepted the proclamation on behalf of the organization, which provides temporary emergency shelter, a 24-hour hotline, counseling, legal advocacy, community education and more for those affected by domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

“It’s my privilege to know Jill and I can’t think of a more impactful organization for Warren County,” remarked Commissioner Director James R. Kern III.

Sexual assault is recognized by the FBI as the most unreported crime. Survivors have lasting physical, mental and emotional effects and it is regarded as a national health issue because of the impact on family, friends and the community.

“Sexual assault take various forms and we have either been a victim or have known someone who has been a victim,” said County Commissioner Lori Ciesla.

The DASACC of Warren County provided services to more than 100 people in 2020 for those impacted by sexual violence without an increase in staff, and an increase of 188 percent in people needing shelter services.

“Across the board you’re seeing this increased need,” Zinckgraf said, adding “It takes a village and I want to thank you (commissioners) for all you do. The dollars we get from the county are so important to us.”