‘Recognize the unsung heroes’: 911 dispatchers recognized as first responders in Horry, Florence counties

FLORENCE, S.C. (WMBF) - The people who answer the call for help when you dial 911, are getting the recognition they deserve in multiple counties.

After months of working with leaders, Florence and Horry County are the first two counties in the state to recognize their 911 dispatchers as first responders.

Before this resolution, Florence County 911 Manager Alisha Smith said the counties had previously classified telecommunicator’s work as administrative. However, Smith explained they do so much more than paperwork.

”We are able to provide pre-arrival instructions. We use protocols, emergency medical, emergency fire, and emergency police. Through those protocols we are able to ask questions and provide instructions where we’re able to give CPR instructions, we can deliver babies, we can do anything someone in the field can do, via phone,” said Smith.

Dispatchers said it’s exciting for them to finally be known as first responders since they are the first to respond to people who need help. Smith said she’s happy dispatchers are getting the acknowledgment they deserve.

”Recognize the unsung heroes, because that’s what we are here. A lot of times there’s no faces, we don’t get the glory of being out in the field and we don’t get the thank you’s like everyone else does, but we are here and we are completely devoted to our jobs and what we do here,” said Smith.

The resolution will also allow dispatchers access to more mental health support. Smith said she’s happy the community has been behind them from the start.

“We have a backing between county council and administrators in Florence County that is very big on public safety, and we’re very thankful for that because that’s not something we know every county has. So, with that, we are so excited about getting this passed, just for the recognition in Florence County,” said Smith.

Smith said they’re hopeful other counties and even hopefully the state will pass similar resolutions.

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