Calhoun and Gordon County residents will have a chance to thank public safety telecommunications employees who work hard every day to protect the community.

National Public Safety Telecommunications Week is April 10-16; the public is invited to attend an open house at the Gordon County E-911 headquarters, located at 100 Nine One One Boulevard, Calhoun, on April 14 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

“Some people think 911 is people just sitting there and not having do anything. There is training involved and it’s to make people aware of our telecommunication officers,” said Gordon County E-911 director Deborah Vance.

Telecommunication roles include the 911 call takers and dispatchers, those that maintain radio and emergency phone systems and other forms of emergency communication.

Vance said Gordon County E-911 provides a vital link to the public safety services on which residents rely on every day.

E-911 efforts are coordinated with Gordon County Fire Department, Calhoun Fire Department, Gordon County Sheriffs Office, Calhoun Police Department, Fairmount Police Department, Resaca Police Department, Gordon Hospital Emergency Services and Gordon County Emergency Management.

According to Vance, last year, Gordon County telecommunications services handled approximately 100,000 calls; and, on average, E-911 call takers receive a total of 6,250 calls per month. This is an average of 208 calls per 24-hour shift.

“Many events will take place this week to honor our communications officers who work diligently in their profession to dispatch public safety,” Vance said.

The week will end with a special banquet, including awards and achievements of telecommunication officers, at 6 p.m. at the headquarters on Friday, April 15.