Strathcona County recognizes the heroes behind the headset during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

Often the unseen heroes of public safety, Strathcona County telecommunicators are the steady voices behind 911 and the non-emergency line. They gather vital information, dispatch first responders, and guide callers through some of the most stressful moments of their lives — all while managing rapidly evolving situations with professionalism and compassion. During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 12-18, 2026, Strathcona County joins communities across Canada in celebrating these essential professionals.

Strathcona County operates two Communications Centres: the Emergency Communications Centre and the Municipal Operational Communication Centre.

The Emergency Communications Centre in Emergency Services is designated as the primary Public Safety Answering Point, providing 9-1-1 call answer and fire dispatch services for numerous communities across Alberta.

"Our Emergency Communication Operators are often the first voice people hear in an emergency, and that voice can make all the difference,” said Dawn Nash, Deputy Chief of Strategic Services. “They listen, assess and act with speed and care, helping callers stay calm while coordinating the right response.”

The Municipal Operational Communication Centre (MOCC), part of the RCMP and Enforcement Services Department, serves as a secondary Public Safety Answering Point. It provides 9‑1‑1 police emergency and non‑emergency call‑taking services for local RCMP members. MOCC also handles the 24‑hour non‑emergency complaint line for both RCMP and Enforcement Services at 780‑467‑7741.

“No two calls are ever the same—from crises to collisions—but our telecommunicators stay calm, focused and professional every time,” said Derek Stankey, Manager of RCMP Operations Support for Strathcona County. “Their steady, compassionate guidance in high‑stress moments is vital to community safety, and their professionalism and resilience are truly remarkable.”

In 2025, Strathcona County telecommunicators answered 46,334 emergency calls for service and 41,598 calls to the non-emergency line.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications
780-410-6595
strathcona.ca