April 2026

Honoring the Voices Behind the Calls
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week: April 12-18, 2026

Every year, during the second week of April, we pause to recognize a group of professionals whose work is constant, demanding, and often unseen. National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW), observed this year from April 12–18, is dedicated to honoring the 911 call takers and dispatchers who serve as the critical first link in the emergency response system.

This national recognition dates back to 1981, when Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office in California advocated for a week to honor dispatchers. Her efforts led to a proclamation by the California State Legislature, and in 1994, the week was officially recognized at the federal level. Since then, NPSTW has become a nationwide opportunity to acknowledge the skill, resilience, and professionalism required to do this work.

At SREC, this week carries special meaning. Our Communications Officers manage high-stakes situations every day, guiding callers through emergencies, coordinating responders, and making split-second decisions that directly impact lives. It is work that requires focus, compassion, and endurance, often under intense pressure.

While our mission never stops, NPSTW gives us a chance to step back and celebrate the people behind the headsets. Throughout the week, we make time for small moments of fun and appreciation inside the center—whether it is themed dress-up days, shared meals, games, or simply taking a moment to recognize one another’s contributions. These activities are more than just a break from routine; they are a way to strengthen connection, boost morale, and remind our team how valued they are.

Even as we celebrate, our telecommunicators remain at their posts, continuing to answer the call—literally and figuratively—for our community. That balance speaks to the heart of this profession: dedication to service, no matter the circumstances.

This week, and every week, we are proud to recognize the vital role our telecommunicators play. Their voices are calm in chaos, their actions are decisive in uncertainty, and their impact is felt far beyond the walls of our center.

Four Years Strong: SREC Earns Another Clean Financial Audit

SREC continues to demonstrate its commitment to financial accountability and responsible stewardship of public funds, earning its fourth consecutive clean financial audit for the 2024 cycle.

This achievement reflects the strength of the agency’s financial practices and internal controls. Independent auditors reported no material misstatements and confirmed that SREC’s processes comply with all applicable laws and regulations. They also recognized the professionalism and efficiency of staff, along with the organization’s continued focus on transparency and accuracy.

As SREC has grown, it has now transitioned from a biennial audit cycle to annual audits—an important milestone that reflects both the scale of the organization and its ongoing commitment to financial oversight.

SREC’s operations are funded through three primary sources: the 911 Excise Tax, a 1/10th of 1% Public Safety Sales Tax, and user fees from member agencies. Each funding stream plays a specific role in supporting emergency communications. The 911 Excise Tax funds the systems and personnel who answer emergency calls, while the sales tax supports critical infrastructure such as Crime Check, the CAD system, radio equipment, and the network of tower sites that keep responders connected. User fees help sustain staffing and operational services across the agency.

While these funding sources provide a stable foundation, the cost of delivering emergency communications continues to rise. Increasing call volumes, evolving technology, and growing service expectations require ongoing investment to ensure reliability and effectiveness.



SREC’s consistent audit success underscores a clear priority: managing public resources with integrity while ensuring the agency remains prepared to meet the community’s needs—today and into the future.

Beyond Proud: Two SREC Employees Recognized for WA State Excellence

We are proud to recognize two outstanding members of our SREC team, Shealton Veo and Bryce Leming, for earning top honors in their respective categories this year.

Shealton was recognized for her leadership during an extraordinarily complex and dangerous incident—the Canfield Mountain firefighter ambush and mass casualty event. Serving as Lead for SREC Law Dispatch, she coordinated resources across state lines and jurisdictions, managed communication challenges, and maintained operational control during a rapidly evolving and high-risk situation. Despite intense pressure, system limitations, and the emotional weight of the incident, Shealton remained composed and focused, ensuring responder safety and effective coordination throughout. Her decision to remain on duty beyond her shift to support staffing and continuity further reflects her dedication and professionalism.

Bryce was honored as Technician of the Year for his exceptional work behind the scenes, ensuring the reliability of the critical systems our telecommunicators depend on every day. Over the past year, he led major system upgrades, supported a full operational relocation, and managed complex infrastructure transitions—all while maintaining uninterrupted service. His ability to solve high-risk technical challenges, support frontline staff in real time, and plan strategically for the future has been instrumental in keeping our center running smoothly during a period of significant change.

Both Shealton and Bryce exemplify the professionalism, expertise, and commitment that define SREC. Their work—whether on the radio during critical incidents or behind the scenes supporting essential technology—has a direct and lasting impact on the safety of our responders and community.

Please join us in congratulating them on this well-deserved recognition.