Maine Recognizes Emergency Dispatchers Serving All 16 Counties

The Maine Department of Public Safety is recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 12 through April 18, 2026, by honoring the professionals who answer the call when emergencies happen.

Often referred to as the "first first responders," public safety telecommunicators are the first point of contact during emergencies. Each year, Maine’s three state communication centers handle more than 130,000 calls for service, placing dispatchers on the front line of nearly every emergency involving state public safety agencies.

The Bureau of Emergency Communications operates three regional communication centers in Augusta, Bangor, and Houlton. Together, they support agencies across all 16 Maine counties, coordinating responses and providing emergency medical and fire dispatch instructions when callers need immediate help.

In Augusta, telecommunicators handle a high volume of statewide coordination, working with multiple agencies and jurisdictions. Meanwhile, Bangor and Houlton dispatchers serve large geographic regions, including rural and remote areas where communication and coordination between agencies are especially important.

Commissioner Michael Sauschuck says the role of telecommunicators cannot be overstated.

"Public safety telecommunicators are the steady voice on the other end of the line during someone’s worst day," Sauschuck said. "Their professionalism, compassion, and ability to manage high stress situations make them an indispensable part of Maine’s public safety system."

The Maine Department of Public Safety is encouraging residents to take a moment this week to recognize the people behind the voices who help guide callers through emergencies and ensure help arrives as quickly as possible.

The department also extended its gratitude to telecommunicators across Maine for their continued commitment, skill, and service to communities statewide.