Daily Archives: April 14, 2015

National Public Safety Dispatcher Appreciation Week

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640-911-Flag-Police-PhotoFLAGSTAFF — For the past several years Public Safety Agencies nationwide have recognized the pivotal role played by the telecommunicators, dispatchers, communication operators, and radio and control personnel.

All the women and men of the communication center at the Flagstaff Police Department/Coconino County Sheriff’s Office who utilize telephones, radios, computers and technical skills to provide support to Law Enforcement, Fire Services, Emergency Medical Services and other governmental field personnel are being celebrated the week of April 12-18th. Our dispatcher’s work 24/7, 365 days a week to assure that officers have the information they need as first responders.

Each year, the second week of April is dedicated to the men and women who serve as Public Safety Telecommunicators. In 1991, Congress proclaimed it as a national recognized week of recognition.

The Flagstaff Police Department will celebrate this year’s Telecommunicators Week – April 12-18 in honor of their dedicated dispatchers who handle several thousand wireless 9-1-1 calls each month within Northern Arizona. The week will be filled with various activities including Mayor Nabors making a proclamation on Tuesday, 4-14-2015.

When you dial 9-1-1 on your cellular phone in Northern Arizona a dispatcher answers the call. Please know where you are and stay on the line so they can help get the assistance you need.

Facts about the Flagstaff 9-1-1 Communications Center:

  • Number of employees: currently 22 civilian dispatchers (Emergency Communication Specialists)
  • Supervisors: 6 with 1 serving as the 9-1-1 Coordinator
  • Call Taker: 2
  • Consoles: 10 (telephone/radio)
  • Entry level Emergency Communications Specialist pay per month: $3019.20
  • Entry level Call Taker pay per month: $$2257.00
  • Telephone calls received in March 2015:
  • 4,229 cellular/wireless 911 calls
  • 12,865 on non-emergency and other land lines

EMPLOYMENT
Are you searching for an exciting and rewarding career? 9-1-1 Dispatchers serve as a vital link in the public safety response chain. Some have provided life-saving CPR instruction and others have brought babies into the world. This is your chance to make a difference in your community. Be a part of our team; a valuable and rewarding career – apply today!

Local weather shows chance of snow and rain

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WILLIAMS — Weather today is warm with a high of 65 expected and southwest winds from 25 to 28 mph with gusts up to 44. Tomorrow a high of 53 is expected with 14 to 20 mph winds from the north with gusts up to 26.

There is a chance of snow tomorrow after midnight and Thursday morning with rain showers at night and Friday morning. Chance of precipitation is 10%.

Flagstaff weather is about the same with more chance of precipitation through Friday morning.

For the free weekend at the Grand Canyon, Saturday and Sunday is expected to be mostly sunny with highs around 65 and lows around the mid-30s.

Paving work on US 93 at Wickenburg Ranch scheduled this week

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WICKENBURG — Final paving on US 93 north of Wickenburg will begin today, April 14 through Friday, April 17 on the new roundabout at the Wickenburg Ranch entrance. Work hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, April 14 through 16 and 6 a.m. to noon on Friday, April 17.

Drivers can expect intermittent single-lane restrictions on US 93 and delays of up to 15 minutes during work hours. Flaggers will direct traffic in alternating directions using the single lane that is open.

Southbound drivers on State Route 89 at the US 93 junction need to be aware of stopped traffic as a result of the scheduled paving work.

The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage. ADOT advises drivers to allow additional time to reach their destinations and to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

Red Flag Warning in effect today for North Kaibab and Tusayan Districts

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TUSAYAN — The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for today from noon to 8 p.m. that covers the North Kaibab and Tusayan ranger districts of the Kaibab National Forest, as well as other areas of northern Arizona, due to strong winds and low relative humidity.

Visitors to the North Kaibab and Tusayan districts of the Kaibab National Forest are advised to refrain from having a campfire when Red Flag Warning conditions exist. This advisory covers all campfires across the districts, including in developed campgrounds.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are expected and that a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create an increased potential for large fire growth. The campfire advisory remains in effect until the Red Flag Warning ends.

The Kaibab National Forest is committed to educating visitors about their role in helping prevent unwanted, human-caused fires. Avoiding having campfires on windy days is one way they can do that.

Grand Canyon open for free this weekend

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grand-canyon-640-0119-37GRAND CANYON – The Grand Canyon will be be offering fee-free weekend on Saturday April 18 and Sunday April 19 in honor of the start of National Parks Week. All national parks are offering free entry this weekend.

Grand Canyon’s South Rim sits at approximately 7,000 feet. As a result, visitors should be prepared for winter weather and driving conditions, and should be aware that road closures and temporary suspension of shuttle service may occur with little or no notice if winter weather passes through the area.

Dogs must be on a leash at all times.