Kentucky State Police Post 10 Celebrates National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
Honoring the Humble Heroes Behind the Headsets
Harlan, Ky. (April 14, 2025) — Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 10 telecommunicators will be recognized alongside more than 200,000 emergency communication professionals in the country during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed this year from April 13-19.
These dedicated professionals are the first point of contact in emergencies, providing critical assistance to those in need. Their work ensures the safety of both the public and law enforcement officers, often under high-pressure situations.
“KSP telecommunicators are truly the unseen lifeline in public safety,” said Captain Danny Caudill, Commander of KSP Post 10. “They handle life-and-death situations with unwavering professionalism, compassion and resilience. Their ability to remain calm under pressure while helping those in crisis is remarkable.”
KSP telecommunicators are responsible for dispatching state police troopers, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation officers and other emergency responders. Their duties include coordinating emergency responses, notifying administrative channels, running vehicle and criminal background checks and providing crucial information to first responders while managing multiple calls and radio traffic. Most importantly, they are the reassuring voice on the other end of the line when someone calls for help.
“911 Telecommunicators are the essential workers hidden behind the scenes. When you dial 911, we are the very first person you talk to. We ascertain needs and very quickly send appropriate responders, whether that be Police, Fire, or EMS. This sounds very simple, however, that is what a good telecommunicator does. They find the calm in the chaos and make a difficult job look easy. Dealing with a hysterical caller that cannot supply basic information – because their child is choking, for example – it takes a well-trained telecommunicator to remain calm and use all their skills and resources to help this individual. 911 Telecommunicators have a calling for this profession, otherwise they will not last. Post 10 is blessed with a great group of Telecommunicators who are ready to answer the call 24/7/365, literally, because this is one of the very few professions that never shuts down no matter what. As I am nearing retirement, it even makes me more grateful for the men and women behind the scenes still answering our calls for service!” – KSP Post 10 911 Manager Yolanda Young.
Across Kentucky, KSP employs approximately 217 telecommunicators at 16 posts. Last year alone, they answered over 1.2 million calls, leading to more than 406,000 requests for assistance. Post 10 Harlan, KY employs 12 telecommunicators who answered 14,020 calls for service, which covers Harlan, Bell, and Knox counties.
The Kentucky State Police Foundation is honoring the dedication of KSP’s telecommunicators by providing funding that each post can use to show appreciation through meals, treats or small gifts. This initiative ensures that every post has the opportunity to recognize the vital role their radio room staff play in public safety. To learn more about the foundation, click here.
The public is encouraged to celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week alongside KSP telecommunicators. The agency is hosting a door-decorating contest for radio rooms at each post from April 14-18. Participating posts will submit photos of their decorated doors, which will be shared on KSP’s Facebook page. The public can show their support by liking their favorite designs. The winner will be announced on April 18 and the radio room receiving the most likes will win a prize.
Those interested in joining KSP as a telecommunicator should visit the Kentucky State Personnel Website for more information and current job openings.
The Kentucky State Police is committed to recruiting the best individuals for public service and provides equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, or age.
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