(Barrie, ON) – The City of Barrie is celebrating National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 12 to 18, by recognizing the crucial role public safety telecommunicators play in emergency response and public safety. Residents are encouraged to share a quick note of thanks for the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the safety of the public and first responders during emergencies. The messages will be shared with all of Barrie’s public safety telecommunicators.
“Every day, our dispatchers exemplify compassion, empathy, and professionalism as the first point of contact for those in distress, and their calm, collected responses can make all the difference in life-and-death situations,” said Mayor Nuttall. “They play a critical role in protecting our community and supporting our emergency services, serving as the often‑unrecognized heroes at the heart of our public safety system.”
This week is officially dedicated to honouring, recognizing, and celebrating the professionals who answer 911 calls, dispatch emergency responders, and provide vital information to those on the front lines of emergencies.
The Communications Branch of the Barrie Fire and Emergency Service (BFES) receives and processes requests for emergency and non-emergency assistance and dispatches for a total of 23 Municipal Fire Services. Nearly 35,000 emergencies were dispatched in 2025 and the Barrie Fire Communication Centre is responsible for over 850,000 residents within Simcoe County, Dufferin County, Grey County, District of Muskoka and York Region.
