HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR041118KPDBERNARD P. CARVALHO JR.
Mayor
COUNTY OF KAUA'I
KAUA`I POLICE DEPARTMENT
News Release
For Immediate Release: April 11, 2018
WALLACE G. REZENTES JR.
Managing Director
DARRYL PERRY, CHIEF
Tel (808) 241-1600
Fax (808) 241-1604
Kauai dispatchers recognized during National Public Safety
Telecommunicators Week, April 8 -14, 2018
LIHU`E — The Kauai Police Department held a ceremony at KPD Headquarters on
Wednesday to recognize the department's emergency dispatchers in honor of National Public
Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 8 through 14.
Attendees included Assistant Chief Robert Gausepohl and KPD officers and staff,
Council Chair Mel Rapozo and members of the County Council, Police Commission Chair
Gerald Bahouth, Vice Chair Mary Kay Hertog, Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar.
"Our dispatchers play a vital role in our ability to serve the public, as they are the first line
of communication during an emergency," stated Assistant Chief Gausepohl. "Without our
dispatchers, we would not be able to safeguard our community."
"One thing that hasn't changed is the compassion and dedication of our dispatchers,"
stated County of Kauai Council Chair Mel Rapozo. "On behalf of the County Council, we truly
appreciate what our dispatchers do for our community."
The Kauai Police Department currently employs 15 dispatchers, who communicate
appropriate emergency services in response to crisis situations and are specially trained to offer
life-saving assistance over the phone when needed.
Each year, the second full week of April is dedicated to the men and women who serve
as public safety telecommunicators across the nation.
"The work of a dispatcher is never easy, and I know that it often comes without praise or
acknowledgement," stated Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. "Yet, they show up every day, because
they are committed to public safety and professionalism. We recognize them this week and
applaud their efforts all year long."
Over 50 people gathered at KPD headquarters to recognize the 15 dispatchers, who
communicate appropriate emergency services in response to crisis situations and are specially
trained to offer life-saving assistance over the phone when needed.
Photo above: (Left to right) dispatchers Christina Chong Tim, Donn Taniguchi, Kathy Ragragola
are congratulated by KPD Assistant Chief Robert Gausepohl.