Barnes County Dispatch Celebrates National Public Safety Telecommunications Week

The dispatch center handles over 21,000 calls for service and 45,000 emergency and non-emergency calls annually.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:59pm

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A softly focused, atmospheric scene of a dispatch center control room, with muted colors and pools of warm light, conveying the behind-the-scenes work of public safety telecommunicators.The unsung heroes of emergency response, the public safety telecommunicators at the Barnes County Dispatch Center work tirelessly to coordinate rapid and effective aid for their community.Valley City Today

Barnes County Dispatch Center in Valley City, North Dakota is celebrating National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, honoring the men and women who respond to emergency calls, dispatch emergency professionals and equipment, and provide life-saving assistance to citizens. The dispatch center handles over 21,000 calls for service and 45,000 emergency and non-emergency calls each year, serving 2 law enforcement agencies, 13 fire departments, 6 quick response units, and 1 ambulance service.

Why it matters

National Public Safety Telecommunications Week recognizes the critical role that dispatch centers and telecommunicators play in emergency response and public safety. The Barnes County Dispatch Center's recognition highlights the dedication and professionalism of these essential workers, who often work behind the scenes to coordinate rapid and effective emergency services.

The details

The Barnes County Dispatch Center employs 9 full-time and 3 part-time public safety telecommunicators, as well as 1 director/911 coordinator, to provide 24/7/365 coverage for the county. In 2025, the dispatch team was honored with the 'Make A Difference Award' from the North Dakota Chapter of the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) for their extraordinary performance and professionalism during severe weather events that struck the area.

  • National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is celebrated the second full week of April (April 12-18, 2026).
  • In 2025, the Barnes County Dispatch Center handled 1,386 emergency and non-emergency calls and created 538 calls for service over a 36-hour period during severe weather events.

The players

Barnes County Dispatch Center

A two-position public safety answering point that serves Barnes County and the communities within it, handling 911 calls and dispatching for 2 law enforcement agencies, 13 fire departments, 6 quick response units, and 1 ambulance service.

Sarah Miller

The PST Director/911 Coordinator for the Barnes County Dispatch Center.

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What they’re saying

“In times of fear and confusion, Barnes County Dispatch's Public Safety Telecommunicators are the steady voice always there to help you. It is an honor to be recognized by Governor Armstrong, the Barnes County Commission, and so many of our partner responder agencies during this week. Every day, I have the immense privilege to work along side of the incredible men and women of the Barnes County Dispatch Center. Watching them serve their community with such passion and care is truly a treasure and my wish is to not only recognize these incredible individuals during this week but to remember the great work this individuals accomplish day in and day out – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, Nights, Weekends, and Holidays.”

— Sarah Miller, PST Director/911 Coordinator

What’s next

Governor Kelly Armstrong has recognized National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and honored PSTs across North Dakota by releasing an official Proclamation.

The takeaway

The recognition of the Barnes County Dispatch Center's critical role in emergency response and public safety during National Public Safety Telecommunications Week highlights the dedication and professionalism of the dispatch team, who work tirelessly to coordinate rapid and effective emergency services for their community.