Chicago Celebrates 9-1-1 Education Month and Public Safety Week

OEMC honors city's emergency call takers and dispatchers during annual recognition events.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:12pm

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of blurred, glowing lights in shades of yellow, orange, and red, conveying the energy and atmosphere of a busy 9-1-1 call center.Chicago's 9-1-1 operators and public safety telecommunicators are honored for their vital role in emergency response during National 9-1-1 Education Month.Chicago Today

The City of Chicago's Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is celebrating National 9-1-1 Education Month and National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week from April 12-18 to honor the outstanding contributions of the city's 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers who provide critical emergency services to Chicagoans and first responders every day.

Why it matters

These annual recognition events highlight the vital role that 9-1-1 operators and public safety telecommunicators play in supporting first responders and keeping communities safe, especially in a major city like Chicago with a high volume of emergency calls.

The details

OEMC will host a series of events and activities throughout the month of April to educate the public about the 9-1-1 system and recognize the hard work of its emergency call center staff. This includes training sessions, social media campaigns, and community outreach efforts to express gratitude for these unsung heroes of public safety.

  • National 9-1-1 Education Month and National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is April 12-18, 2026.

The players

Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC)

The City of Chicago's office responsible for managing the 9-1-1 emergency call system and coordinating public safety response efforts.

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The takeaway

These annual recognition events for 9-1-1 operators and public safety telecommunicators are an important way to raise awareness about the critical role they play in emergency response and to show appreciation for their tireless efforts to keep communities safe.