City of Decatur Police Department, GA

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week has arrived!

Each year during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW), we take time to recognize the people who answer the call when it matters most, our 911 dispatchers. They stay calm in crisis, manage complex situations, and support first responders every single day. While we appreciate them year-round, this week gives us a chance to do something extra.

What Is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week?

NPSTW, celebrated this year from April 12-18, shines a national spotlight on the commitment and calm professionalism of 911 dispatchers. These individuals work intense shifts, make split-second decisions, and carry emotional weight far beyond the call. They serve as the first line of support during emergencies, and their impact remains undeniable.

On Friday, March 20, 2026, at approximately 2:34 p.m., the Decatur Police Department responded to the intersection of South Candler Street and Kirk Road in reference to a Decatur Police Department School Crossing Guard being struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival, the crossing guard was alert and conscious. The investigation revealed the vehicle was turning left onto South Candler Street from Kirk Road. The crossing guard was crossing South Candler Street traveling eastbound in the crosswalk with the pedestrian walk signal. The driver of the vehicle struck the crossing guard while making the left turn. The driver was cited for failing to yield to a pedestrian in the crosswalk. The crossing guard was transported to a local hospital.