Mary Ryser
Auxiliary Community Outreach
Celebrating First Responders
“Doesn’t cost a dime, just a bit of your time.” Denise Beckler, Dept of NJ
Every year during the second week of April, the telecommunications personnel in the public safety community are honored.
February 16, 1968 was a momentous day for public safety — it marked the first time a 9-1-1 call was ever made. In the five decades since, emergency communication centers and their dedicated teams of telecommunicators have become the first touchpoint for emergency response. Telecommunicators are the first voice that we hear when we call for help and they are life-saving heroes. They are always heard but rarely seen. They are the heroes behind the scenes. The calm voice in the dark.
This week marks National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, — our nation’s 9-1-1 telecommunicators and dispatchers — who dedicate their lives to answering our calls on what may be our toughest day. We want to recognize and acknowledge the work that they do every day to protect our nation. They provide critical assistance during a person’s worst moments, providing the calm reassurance they need to handle any situation. Their dedication is immeasurable, their commitment is unwavering and their generosity is exceptional.
It is a time to celebrate and thank those who dedicate their lives to serving the public. It is a week that should be set aside so everyone can be made aware of their hard work and dedication. Work with another organization to volunteer to help raise awareness for telecommunication personnel. Team up with the Police Department to cook a special meal, serve them at the police station and hand out a rose.
International Firefighters Day (IFFD)
International Firefighters Day is observed on May 4. It was instituted after a proposal was emailed out across the world on January 4, 1999 due to the deaths of five firefighters in tragic circumstances in a wildfire at Linton in Victoria, Australia. To remind the community that they put their lives on the line, help plan an event, cook a meal or serve sandwiches or cookies. Join with another organization and have an event on May 4th.
Attention Auxiliaries- Collage of First Responders- You are to send a copy of the collage to your Department Auxiliary Community Outreach Chairman. The copy should be an 8 ½ x 11. The original can be any size.
AWARDS FOR AUXILIARIES
Most outstanding photo collage featuring Auxiliary members volunteering with first responders at their community activity and/or event.
- Citation to every Auxiliary that submits a photo collage featuring Auxiliary members volunteering with first responders at their community activity and/or event. Criteria and entry form (required) available at vfwauxiliary.org/resources. Auxiliaries must send the entry form to their Department Auxiliary Community Outreach Chairman by March 31, 2022. The Department Auxiliary Community Outreach Chairman must send a copy of all submitted entry forms to National Headquarters by April 30, 2022. Citations will be mailed directly to participating Auxiliaries from National Headquarters.
- Citation and $25 to one Auxiliary in each of the four Conferences with the most outstanding photo collage featuring Auxiliary members volunteering with first responders at their community activity and/or event. Winners will be announced and awards presented at the 2022 National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri.
The Department Auxiliary Community Outreach Chairman must sign and send a copy of the completed Department-winning entry form to the National Auxiliary Community Outreach Ambassador by April 30, 2022 for judging.