In these very trying times filled with uncertainty, our mission remains the same. Be the best that we can be at what we do to get the right help to the right place as quickly as possible. As a profession, we have never been more essential than right now.
We have new emergencies to face and are dealing with something none of us have faced in our lifetimes, yet we are still doing what must be done.
Perseverance is a word that is not often used in a professional setting yet it describes your strength to keep doing what you do. Sadly, several people from our profession have succumbed to this awful disease in other parts of the country. So far I have not heard of any casualties in Missouri among our emergency communicators, something that I pray continues to be true.
In this week when we normally celebrate all that you do and try to highlight your outstanding work, we are besieged by worry, strife, and disaster. Not the way we want to celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Whether you hold off on formal celebrations until times are better or you continue with your plans, know that your brothers and sisters in Emergency Communications stand with you.
We may not be able to celebrate the way we want to this year, but we know the critical work you are doing during this pandemic. Others may not realize all you are doing, but we do. We see you and we are proud of you.
The word “Hero” is being tossed about pretty casually these days; in your case I think it truly fits.
Keep up the good work!
Stephen Hoskins
President, Missouri APCO