Telecommunicators Recognized During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week - 04/10/26

MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Telecommunicators Recognized During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

Columbia 9-1-1 highlights the critical link between callers and emergency response

ST. HELENS, Ore., Apr. 2026 — The Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District proudly recognizes its team of public safety telecommunicators during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW), observed April 12–18, 2026. This annual observance honors the unseen but essential first responders who serve as the critical link between the public and emergency services.

Every day, telecommunicators at Columbia 9-1-1 answer calls for help, coordinate emergency responses, gather vital information, and provide lifesaving instructions before first responders arrive at the location of the emergency. These professionals work around the clock, remaining calm in crisis, supporting responders in the field, and delivering steady service to people across Columbia County.

“National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week gives us the opportunity to publicly recognize the extraordinary service our dispatchers provide,” said Jeremy Hipes, Executive Director. “They are the steady voice in moments of crisis, and our community depends on their skill, compassion, and professionalism every single day.”

Throughout NPSTW 2026, the District will recognize staff through internal appreciation efforts and community outreach to increase awareness of the essential role emergency telecommunicators play in public safety.

The Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District extends its deepest appreciation to all telecommunicators for their continued commitment to serving the public and supporting first responders.

About the Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District
The District provides emergency call-taking and dispatch services for law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services across Columbia County. Established in 1989, it serves approximately 53,000 residents over 678 square miles and handles about 80,000 calls each year for 17 public safety agencies. The District remains committed to delivering reliable, professional, and compassionate service to the community.

Media Contact:
Jeremy Hipes
Executive Director
Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District
JHipes@Columbia911.com

Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District Shares Information On Measure 5-310 - 03/19/26

Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District Shares Information on Measure 5-310

Measure Will Appear on May 19, 2026, Ballot

ST. HELENS, Ore., Mar. 18, 2026 — The Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District is providing general public information about Measure 5-310, a five-year operations levy that will appear on the May 19, 2026, ballot.

This release is intended to provide neutral, factual information about the measure and the services the district provides and is not intended to advocate for any outcome.

Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District serves as the central dispatch center for emergency communications in Columbia County, coordinating responses for law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services. These services support day-to-day emergency response across the county. The proposed operations levy is part of the district’s long-term planning to maintain these services.

•        Provides 24/7 emergency and non-emergency call-taking and dispatch services for Columbia County public safety agencies.
•        Funded through a combination of existing levies, fees, and other revenue sources.
•        Measure 5-310 is a district referral that will be considered by voters as part of its ongoing operational funding framework.
•        If approved, funds would be used to support operational needs over a five-year period.

Additional factual information, including budget documents, service statistics, and district planning materials, is available at:

www.columbia911.com

Members of the public may contact the district with questions or requests for public information at:

jhipes@columbia911.com | 503-366-6971

About Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District

Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District provides emergency communications services for Columbia County and supports local public safety agencies through timely and accurate dispatch of emergency and service calls.

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