Rowan County Launches 'Adopt a Dispatcher' Program for 911 Operators

The new initiative aims to recognize the crucial work of emergency dispatchers in the community.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:26pm

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A blurred, atmospheric scene of a 911 operator's desk, with a telephone, headset, and computer monitor visible through a hazy, warm light, conceptually representing the crucial but often unseen work of emergency dispatchers.The "Adopt a Dispatcher" program aims to show appreciation for the unsung heroes who are the first to respond in emergencies.Morehead Today

Morehead Rowan County E9-1-1 is launching a new "Adopt a Dispatcher" program to acknowledge the vital role of emergency dispatchers. The program allows community members to show appreciation through gestures like writing thank-you notes or putting together care packages. Dispatchers are often the first to respond in emergencies but rarely receive recognition, according to the assistant 9-1-1 director and a local firefighter.

Why it matters

Emergency dispatchers are the critical first link in the chain of emergency response, providing detailed instructions to callers and first responders. However, their work often goes unnoticed by the public. The "Adopt a Dispatcher" program aims to change that by encouraging the community to express gratitude for the dispatchers' vital role.

The details

The "Adopt a Dispatcher" program gives Rowan County residents a chance to learn more about the individuals answering 911 calls and to show appreciation for their work. Dispatchers handle a wide range of calls, from chasing loose pigs to coordinating responses to structure fires. They are often the first to respond, relaying crucial information to first responders in real-time. The program allows community members to write thank-you notes, put together care packages, or make any other gesture to recognize the dispatchers.

  • The "Adopt a Dispatcher" program was launched by Morehead Rowan County E9-1-1 in April 2026.

The players

Kerri Moran

The assistant 9-1-1 director who has been part of the Morehead Rowan County E9-1-1 center for more than eight years.

Curtis Coleman

A Morehead firefighter who recognizes the crucial but often unappreciated work of dispatchers.

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What they’re saying

“In our world we are the first, first responders.”

— Kerri Moran, Assistant 9-1-1 Director

“Dispatchers don't show up on scene. So nobody sees them. They just know it's a person on the phone. They are definitely underappreciated.”

— Curtis Coleman, Morehead Firefighter

What’s next

The Morehead Police Department at 309 W. Main Street, Morehead KY 40351 is accepting donations for the "Adopt a Dispatcher" program.

The takeaway

The "Adopt a Dispatcher" program is an important initiative to recognize the crucial but often overlooked work of emergency dispatchers, who are the first link in the chain of emergency response. By encouraging the community to express gratitude, the program aims to shine a light on the vital role these professionals play in keeping the public safe.