Ensuring emergency calls in the commonwealth are responded to timely and efficiently.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 10, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky State Police (KSP) announced that five telecommunicators have obtained national certification aimed at enhancing public safety and emergency response by improving on-the-job effectiveness and everyday operations. Kentucky’s telecommunicators join the ranks of only 450 in the nation who have graduated this year from the Center Manager Certification Program.
This certification builds off the Beshear administration’s announcement last year when Kentucky became the first in the nation to launch a statewide, cloud-based, computer-aided dispatch system by allowing callers to dial 911, and then a text is initiated by the dispatcher if the caller is unable to verbally speak or needs to be quiet to remain safe. Upon the caller accepting the request sent via text to share their location, KSP can access the individual’s real-time latitude and longitude coordinates from their device, allowing first responders to arrive quicker.
We are building a new Kentucky home through higher education and critical response tools so that every Kentuckian not only is safe but feels safe in their community,” said Gov. Beshear. “Thank you to our telecommunicators for rising above the call for service and obtaining the knowledge needed to enhance public safety and keep our first responders safe on the job.”
The KSP newly certified telecommunicators are:
· Ronnie Cobb, public safety telecommunications manager, Post 2, Madisonville;
· Gary Fraser, public safety telecommunications manager, Post 1, Mayfield;
· Shelly Job, public safety telecommunications manager and adjunct telecommunications academy instructor, Post 12, Frankfort;
· Miranda Luttrell, public safety telecommunications manager and adjunct telecommunications academy instructor, Post 15, Columbia; and
· Blake Smith, public safety telecommunications manager and adjunct telecommunications academy instructor, Post 16, Henderson.
“Telecommunicators are the backbone of the Kentucky State Police, as they are often the calming voice during a crisis,” KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. “Not only do these five graduates strengthen safety within the commonwealth daily, but they are leaders within their posts and local communities.”
“These five graduates have shown outstanding skill in managing emergency calls and handling high-pressure situations,” said KSP Telecommunications Instructor Jason Long. “I am very proud of their accomplishment and look forward to seeing their impact on our dispatch centers.”
The mission of KSP is to promote public safety through service, integrity and professionalism using partnerships to prevent, reduce and deter crime and the fear of crime, enhance highway safety through education and enforcement, safeguard property and protect individual rights.
The agency continues recruiting interested individuals to join Team Kentucky and provide critical assistance and assurance to their neighbors and loved ones. To apply for a telecommunicator position with KSP, click here or contact the KSP post nearest you for more information.
Editor’s Note: photo identification (left to right) Shelly Job, Blake Smith, Gary Fraser, Miranda Luttrell and Ronnie Cobb.
(Sherry Bray – Kentucky State Police)