Erie County 911 Dispatchers Celebrated During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

Dispatchers handle everything from routine calls to life-threatening emergencies, with the goal of keeping people safe.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:28pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a 911 headset and control panel, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the serious, investigative nature of the work done by 911 dispatchers.The 911 dispatch center serves as the critical link between callers in crisis and the first responders who can provide aid, a role that is celebrated during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.Buffalo Today

Erie County 911 dispatchers are being recognized this week as part of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. These dispatchers serve as the first point of contact in emergencies, handling calls ranging from routine traffic issues to life-threatening situations. Their ultimate goal is to keep people safe and get first responders where they need to be.

Why it matters

911 dispatchers play a vital role in public safety, providing a crucial link between callers in need and the emergency services that can help them. This week-long celebration highlights the important, often stressful work these dispatchers do to coordinate responses and save lives every day.

The details

All 911 calls and texts in Erie County are routed to the third floor of the Central Police Services building, where dispatchers like Adam Okonczak work around the clock. Okonczak's primary job is to get police officers to where they need to be as quickly as possible. The dispatchers handle a wide range of calls, from routine traffic issues to reports involving wild animals, and some incidents leave a lasting impact, like when an officer was attacked by a shoplifter.

  • National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is being celebrated this week (April 14-20, 2026).
  • Okonczak has been working at the dispatch center since 2:45 a.m. on the day the story was reported.

The players

Adam Okonczak

A 911 dispatcher in Erie County who has been working at the dispatch center since 2:45 a.m. on the day the story was reported.

Lisa Sears

The director of law enforcement communications for Erie County.

Amber Beyer

A Buffalo Police captain who relies on dispatchers to navigate high-stress situations.

Amari Webb

A new first responder who was on their second day on the job at the dispatch center.

Johanna Andujar

A new first responder who was on their second day on the job at the dispatch center.

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What they’re saying

“Everybody here is vital. Every job here is vital.”

— Adam Okonczak, 911 Dispatcher

“We save lives. There's nothing better than saving a life.”

— Lisa Sears, Director of Law Enforcement Communications, Erie County

“They're that calming voice to get us what we need and sometimes tell us what we need. We couldn't do our jobs without them.”

— Amber Beyer, Buffalo Police Captain

“I always thought a dispatcher position was cool.”

— Amari Webb, New First Responder

“I just love being able to help people.”

— Johanna Andujar, New First Responder

What’s next

The dispatch center will continue to train new first responders like Amari Webb and Johanna Andujar, with a focus on the importance of keeping first responders safe and getting them home at the end of their shifts.

The takeaway

This week's celebration of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week highlights the critical role that 911 dispatchers play in coordinating emergency responses and keeping communities safe. Their calm, quick thinking and dedication to their work are essential to the success of first responders and the well-being of the public they serve.