WORCESTER, Mass. - Emergency dispatchers and telecommunicators received praise at a ceremony in Worcester on Thursday morning.

The ceremony was part of an effort to highlight the professionalism of these workers during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

City Manager Ed Augustus said the dispatchers and telecommunicators -- who serve the city as well as the town of Leicester--  operate in high pressure and stressful situations which can go unnoticed by the public, but it does not mean their efforts are unappreciated. 

“You are the face and the voice for the city of Worcester when that person is having what could be the worst moment of their life. And you’re their lifeline to help, to relief, to assistance,” Augustus said during the ceremony. “So I dont underestimate what role you play in making our residents safer and feel more secure."

Charles Goodwin, director of emergency communications and emergency management, said that given all the work they have done this past year, the 2022 Telecommunicator of the Year award went to all of the regional dispatchers.