Briefs: Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, IC commencement

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

The Department of Emergency Response (DoER) will mark the second full week of April (April 10-16) as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW). Sponsored by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International and observed annually, NPSTW honors the thousands who respond to emergency calls, dispatch emergency professionals and equipment and render life-saving assistance. Across the nation in times of intense personal crisis and community-wide disasters, the first access point for those seeking emergency help is 9-1-1. Dispatchers at the Tompkins County Emergency Communications Center who receive these calls have emerged as the first and single point of contact for people seeking immediate relief during an emergency. Shawna Black, chair of the Tompkins County Legislature, will proclaim the week of April 10-16 Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in the county. “It is an honor for me to recognize staff at the county’s Emergency Communications Center for the work they do day in and day out to keep our communities safe,” Black said. John Halaychik, Communications Center manager, added, “The importance of recognizing and celebrating the hard work of these dedicated professionals is immeasurable. I’m extremely proud to work alongside these men and women and to recognize their commitment and devotion to ensuring the safety and security of Tompkins County.” Tompkins County adopted 9-1-1 in 1997, 25 years ago, and on Feb. 23 of this year registered its 1 millionth call. In this photo: county residents share their appreciation for DoER.

 

Ithaca College announces commencement speakers

The leader of one of the nation’s largest faith-based grassroots organizations focused on social and gender justice will deliver the main address at Ithaca College’s 127th Commencement. Sheila Katz (above), CEO of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) and a 2005 Ithaca College graduate, has accepted an offer to speak at the May 22 ceremonies. The college will also recognize “Democracy Now!” founder and host Amy Goodman and award-winning Hollywood visual effects creator and 1998 IC graduate Jeff White with honorary doctor of letters degrees. Letícia Guibunda, vice president of campus affairs for the Student Governance Council, will speak on behalf of the senior class. “We are excited to be celebrating the accomplishments of our graduating class and look forward to hearing from our distinguished guests at this year’s Commencement,” said Ithaca College President La Jerne Terry Cornish. “It is our great honor and pleasure to recognize individuals whose talents, expertise and platforms demonstrate the mission, vision and values of Ithaca College.” As previously announced, Ithaca College will hold Commencement ceremonies at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. May 22 in the Glazer Arena of the Athletics and Events Center, with family and other guests in attendance. The ceremonies will also be streamed live. For more information on the celebration of the Class of 2022, visit Ithaca.edu/commencement.