[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 59 (Thursday, April 10, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E572]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING MAINE'S PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 2014

  Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Maine's Public 
Safety Dispatchers for their essential service to our communities in 
times of emergency. Maine's public safety telecommunicators are 
committed to putting the safety and interests of the community before 
themselves, and I would like to commend them for their invaluable hard 
work and commitment to ensuring our safety.
  These unsung heroes are our country's ``unseen first responders.'' 
They are the men and women who answer the calls of those citizens 
asking for help with a promise that help is, in fact, on its way. We 
place our trust in these individuals every day of the year and rely on 
their knowledge and professionalism as they make critical decisions, 
obtain information, and quickly dispatch needed aid. Regardless of the 
call, they always answer with compassion, persistence, and patience. As 
a result, their work is imperative to our country's citizens, police, 
fire and emergency medical assistance personnel.
  They remain calm in times of crisis and helpful in times of hurting. 
Their voices guide a young mother through infant CPR, talk an accident 
victim out of going into shock, and provide comfort to those who have 
been harmed or injured as they wait for emergency personnel to arrive. 
Yet, they seldom witness the product of their good work because they do 
not see the young mother's face when her infant begins to breathe again 
or the accident victim's face as first responders come into sight. It 
is for these reasons that they deserve our special appreciation and 
recognition.
  In addition to the services they directly provide to the general 
public, they also handle governmental communications related to 
forestry, conservation, highway safety, and natural disasters. This 
means that while most individuals seek shelter during a flood or 
blizzard, the public safety telecommunicators are at their posts 
ensuring that everyone in their communities, including the police 
officers and firefighters, return home safely.
  These telecommunicators are selfless, skilled, and often overlooked. 
Their daily service to the public goes without due recognition by the 
many beneficiaries of their services. Today, I would like to take a 
moment and extend my deepest gratitude on behalf of the state of Maine 
and applaud them for their honorable service.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognition and appreciation of the 
many public safety telecommunicators of Maine.

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