Jose M. Tirado Executive Director, Office of Emergency Management and Communications, City of Chicago | LinkedIn
Jose M. Tirado Executive Director, Office of Emergency Management and Communications, City of Chicago | LinkedIn
The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) in Chicago is commemorating National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week from April 13 to April 19, 2025. As part of this celebration, OEMC plans to honor its employees' contributions during an awards ceremony scheduled for April 17.
The OEMC has organized an annual Employee Awards Ceremony where acknowledgments will be given to call-takers and dispatchers who have dedicated themselves to public safety for 30 years since the department's inception in 1995. Some employees recognized for this milestone include long-serving personnel such as PCOII Debra White, who began her service as a Police Teletype Operator in 1985, and SPCO Rickey Hampton.
Throughout April, the OEMC intends to emphasize the importance of the service provided by its personnel, who work round the clock to ensure the welfare of Chicagoans. The Acting Executive Director, Frank Velez, expressed his appreciation by stating, “I’m proud to recognize the extraordinary dedication of the men and women at OEMC for the challenging jobs they carry out every day protecting Chicagoans and first responders.”
During the awards ceremony, accolades such as Commendations, Awards of Merit, and Team Performance Awards will be distributed to deserving staff members. Among those honored will be teams of 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers, as well as Emergency Managers who contributed significantly during events like the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
In addition, the public is encouraged to use the Chicago OEMC App, which provides notifications on public safety, weather updates, event street closures, and other safety-related resources. The app is available for download on both Apple and Google Play stores.
For more information regarding emergency preparedness, citizens can visit the OEMC's official website or follow them on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bluesky, and Threads using designated hashtags including #ChicagoOEMC and #ThankYou911.
The OEMC continues to partner closely with local, state, and federal agencies to coordinate public safety initiatives and ensure the integration of efforts, especially during major events and emergencies.
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