Gov. Beshear, Kentucky State Police Celebrate the “Heroes on the Headsets”April 12-18 is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 15, 2026) – Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky State Police (KSP) are proud to recognize telecommunicators during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed April 12-18, 2026. This annual observance honors the men and women who serve as the vital link between the public and emergency responders.

“Kentucky’s telecommunicators are essential to keeping our families safe, serving as the critical first link in emergency response and helping protect the public,” Gov. Beshear said. “The commitment of these brave public servants across the state makes a lasting difference in all our communities, and during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, all of us thank you.”

KSP employs approximately 180 telecommunicators across 16 post areas, 22 of which graduated from the training academy last week. In 2025, KSP telecommunicators answered nearly one million telephone calls, underscoring the critical demand for their expertise and commitment. Often unseen but always essential, telecommunicators are the first to respond when a call for help is made. Their calm demeanor, quick thinking and ability to manage high-stress situations play a crucial role in protecting lives and ensuring the safety of communities across Kentucky.

“Our telecommunicators serve on the front lines of public safety, even though they are rarely seen,” said KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. “They are responsible for guiding callers through emergencies while coordinating the response of troopers and other first responders. Their professionalism and dedication are invaluable.”

KSP telecommunicators dispatch state troopers, commercial vehicle enforcement officers and Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources conservation officers, as well as additional emergency personnel. Their responsibilities include handling emergency and non-emergency calls, coordinating response efforts, running vehicle and criminal history checks, and maintaining constant communication with units in the field. In many cases, they provide reassurance and life-saving instructions to callers experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

As part of this year’s celebration, KSP will host the second annual door decorating contest among post radio rooms. Each participating post designs and decorates its radio room door and submits photos for display on KSP’s Facebook page. The public is encouraged to participate by voting for their favorite design through “likes,” with the winning post earning a team lunch and bragging rights until next year.

The Kentucky State Police promote public safety with honor, courage and commitment, utilizing partnerships to prevent, reduce and deter crime and the fear of crime. The agency is dedicated to enhancing highway safety through education and enforcement while also protecting and safeguarding individual rights. Furthermore, the agency provides leadership, training and technical and operational support to the criminal justice community. Learn more about the agency’s mission and vision by visiting the Kentucky State Police’s website.

Individuals interested in a career as a KSP telecommunicator can learn more on the website.

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