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This is National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, a week which honors those who answer emergency calls, dispatch emergency personnel and equipment and render life-saving assistance to the citizens across the nation.  Here in Washington County, there are 11 telecommunicators with over 112 years of experience.  Two operators, Joni Huisenga and Melanie Huschka recently attended the Iowa APCO Telecommunicator Awards Banquet in West Des Moines.

They were both recognized for their life saving efforts on 911 calls.  Huschka was credited with saving the life of a suicide caller and Huisenga was given credit for saving the life of an assault victim who was having difficulty breathing and speaking.

Washington County Safety Center Supervisor Cara Sorrells says calls like these are recognized all week long across the country with the operators receiving awards and more.  To hear more from Joni and Melanie regarding their work in the Safety Center, listen to today’s In Touch With Southeast Iowa program.