JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – North Dakota dispatchers are being recognized April 14-20 for National Telecommunicators Week, thanking those who serve as the first point of contact for emergency situations.

Of North Dakota’s 53 counties, 25 of those utilize the services of the North Dakota State Radio. Based out of Bismarck, the center coordinates 9-1-1 services for the counties that subscribe to its services. Emergency crews may be dispatched to a scene, receive driver information, or be alerted of a person’s criminal background through the service.

Other counties operate their own 9-1-1 centers or partner with neighboring counties to provide these services on a local basis. Stutsman and Barnes Counties run their own center. Several neighboring counties subscribe to the North Dakota State Radio.

Stutsman County Emergency Manager Jerry Bergquist says that those working in dispatch must be good at multitasking and paying close attention to detail.

Bergquist believes that there is no “typical day” in this line of work.

Stutsman County employs 9 full time and 1 part time dispatcher.