Skip to main content
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Campus & Community
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • Syracuse University Impact
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
Sections
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • Syracuse University Impact
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Campus & Community

Behind the Scenes Heroes: The Impactful Role of Public Safety Dispatchers

Friday, April 19, 2024, By Alex Haessig
Share
Department of Public SafetyStudent Experience

Every year, the second week of April marks National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW), a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the dedication, service and sacrifices of public safety telecommunicators. The staff of the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) within the Syracuse University Department of Public Safety (DPS) serve as a prime example of dedication, skill and the vital importance of these individuals. Each year, the dispatchers within the ECC manage nearly 60,000 calls, serving as the first point of contact for the campus community in times of crisis and need.

The ECC team is comprised of highly trained personnel adept at handling a wide range of situations with calmness and efficiency. Whether it’s handling emergency calls, coordinating with DPS officers or providing crucial information during critical incidents, these dispatchers are always ready to offer their support.

“The ECC is the problem-solving center of this campus. Whether it comes to lockouts, dead car batteries or something more serious, we can help or get a hold of the staff who can help solve the problem,” says Michael Wilson, public safety dispatcher. “We even assist our Orange family who study abroad in Florence and London!”

Their work is not just about answering calls; it’s about ensuring the safety and security of students, faculty and staff on campus. They operate 24/7, 365 days a year, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the campus community.

Dispatcher sitting at a desk with a bank of computer monitors.

DPS Emergency Communications Center (Photo by Alex Haessig)

Mateo Tarrats, emergency communications center manager, believes the genuine care of the ECC staff is what makes them special, “Every single person that works on this staff is here because they care about the work they do. This is not an easy occupation. People gravitate towards this kind of work because they genuinely care about the well-being of others.”

The ability to manage tens of thousands of calls per year is not just a testament to their individual skills but also to their collective effort and dedication towards creating a safe and responsive campus environment.

“The most rewarding aspect is knowing every call you are going to be helping someone,” says Shannon Hogue, public safety dispatcher. “We go out of our way to find answers if we do not know them already.”

The ECC staff is always looking to help the campus community with the best service possible. NPSTW serves as a necessary reminder of all the work that happens behind the scenes. The DPS team is always available: Call us 24/7, 365 days a year at 315.443.2224. You can also reach us by dialing #78 (#SU) from your cell phone, dialing 711 from a campus landline or by utilizing the Orange Safe app.

  • Author

Alex Haessig

  • Recent
  • Sport Management Professor Calls Historic First in MLB ‘Overdue’
    Thursday, August 7, 2025, By Keith Kobland
  • Scott Tainsky’s Research Focus Aligns Perfectly With New Falk College of Sport
    Thursday, August 7, 2025, By Matt Michael
  • Maxwell School Honors Alumnus Elliot Stamler ’60 With Cramer Horizon Award
    Thursday, August 7, 2025, By Jessica Youngman
  • Whitman School Honored for Mental Health Excellence
    Thursday, August 7, 2025, By News Staff
  • Professor Anthony Adornato Trains Journalists in Kosovo Through Fulbright
    Wednesday, August 6, 2025, By Kelly Homan Rodoski

More In Campus & Community

Scott Tainsky’s Research Focus Aligns Perfectly With New Falk College of Sport

The earliest memories Scott Tainsky has involve playing sports and watching the golden age of Big East Conference basketball with stars like Patrick Ewing, Chris Mullin and Syracuse University star Pearl Washington. Now, as a father of two children who play…

Maxwell School Honors Alumnus Elliot Stamler ’60 With Cramer Horizon Award

The latest recipient of the Maxwell School’s Cramer Horizon Award has embodied the ideals of its namesakes, Gerald ’52, H’10 and Daphna Cramer, through his professional endeavors, philanthropy and commitment to engaged citizenship. Throughout his remarkable career, honoree Elliot J….

Whitman School Honored for Mental Health Excellence

The Whitman School received the 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award from Insight into Academia magazine, a measure of an institution’s individual programs and initiatives that significantly advance the core values of inclusive excellence and belonging through programs,…

Construction Continues at Stadium Place, Center Crosswalk to Close Aug. 8

Campus Planning, Design and Construction, CenTrio Energy, and local contractors are continuing their work on the campus steam distribution system in the West Campus area. To continue necessary sidewalk replacements along the east boundary of the Raynor Avenue lot, the…

Whitman School Celebrates Record Fundraising Year, Builds Momentum for Transformation

As institutions of higher education adapt to rapid changes and evolving student needs across the country, alumni, parents and donors of the Martin J. Whitman School of Management have responded with record-setting philanthropic support and engagement. Their historic commitment continues…

Subscribe to SU Today

If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.

Connect With Us

  • X
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
Social Media Directory

For the Media

Find an Expert Follow @SyracuseUNews
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • @SyracuseU
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • Social Media Directory
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Campus Status
  • Syracuse.edu
© 2025 Syracuse University News. All Rights Reserved.