In recognition of the vital work performed by the Edmonton Police Service’s Emergency Communications Officers (ECOs), Mayor Sohi has proclaimed April 14 – 19, 2024, as “National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week” in Edmonton.

EPS receives over one million calls for assistance every year through 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency lines. These calls are answered, evaluated, and dispatched by the service’s 175 ECOs, who are part of the EPS Emergency Communications & Operations Management Branch (ECOMB).

“It is a very tough job,” says Superintendent Christa Pennie. “They are exposed to a lot of traumatic events. They'll be speaking to people on the phone who are going through the worst day of their lives, and they have to keep them calm, they have to get them the resources they need.”

These dedicated civilian and sworn members work tirelessly 24/7 to maintain officer and public safety in Edmonton.

“You can’t take for granted how important this work is, and how critical it is to the safety of the public,” says Acting Chief Warren Driechel.  

As the first of the first responders, ECOs ensure the fast and accurate transmission of information related to fire, medical and law enforcement emergencies.

ECO Glen Garner says it can be tough getting information from callers in stressful situations, but “you have to get the information as accurately as possible for the safety of the police officers and everybody at the scene.”

Superintendent Pennie says she is “extremely proud of everything they do, and I appreciate the hard work it takes to do what they do.”

During National Telecommunicators Week, we celebrate and salute the lifesaving work of our Emergency Communications Officers!