From left: Phillip Cady, emergency communications manager; Chief Maldonado; Marcella Becker, community services officer and dispatcher in training; Chancellor Kent Syverud; Linda Martin, dispatcher; Andrew Pascuzzi, dispatcher; and Anthony Callisto, senior vice president and chief law enforcement officer
They are the people who answer the call when someone is in need of help. Every year, during the second week of April, the telecommunications personnel in the public safety community across the country are honored. This weeklong event, initially set up in 1981 by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office in California, is a time to celebrate and thank those who serve our campus community every day. It is a week that is set aside so everyone can be made aware of their hard work and dedication.
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) Emergency Communications Center (ECC), is staffed with 11 Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-certified public safety dispatchers and is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week to address our community’s safety and security needs.
Members of the Division of Campus Safety and Emergency Services and Syracuse University Ambulance took the time to share their appreciation for the men and women who serve our ECC. No one calls them to tell them how great their day is going. More often than not, the caller’s worst day includes looking for answers, help, guidance or support during an emergency, and for our team, that is a normal workday.
Our communicators are always on the other end of the phone to assist callers with various challenges on a daily basis. Whether it is staying on the phone with a student while they walk home safely or being the calming voice until help arrives, our communicators go beyond the call to take care of our community.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and nearly 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit www.syracuse.edu.
