Temple Police Department celebrates National Public Safety Telecommunications Week

(April 11, 2022) April 10-16 is National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, and the Temple Police Department is highlighting the special individuals that make up our dispatchers. 

When you call 911 or the non-emergency number, dispatchers are the first ones that respond. You hear their voices, and they guide you through difficult situations.  

Wendy Matthews is one of the in-house dispatchers that works out of the TPD building. She has been working with the department for 14 years. 

“We help people on their worst days,” said Matthews. 

Matthews says this job allows her to be the closest thing to being a police officer without being a police officer. 

On the morning of April 11, three officers with TPD hand delivered a tray of snacks to the Bell County dispatchers to show their appreciation for all the hard work they do. 

“Just wanted to recognize the staff here and tell you how you contribute to our safety, so we just wanted to show our appreciation,” said Temple Police Deputy Chief Allen Teston. 

The so-called “cave” at the Bell County Dispatch Center is filled with individuals who are separated by Central Texas locations. 

During a regular morning shift, they can easily answer 200 to 250 emergency calls. 

TPD officers met with Amanda Kendall, one of the Temple dispatchers at the center, who was answering calls even while taking a quick picture with our officers. 

The Temple Police Department appreciates the hard work these first responders put in each day to keep our communities safe. 

To learn more about becoming a dispatcher, click HERE.