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LCECC Director discusses importance of 911 operator role and impacts of new potential dispatch facility with National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week underway

Emporia, KS, USA / KVOE
Tagan Trahoon
Apr 14, 2025 | 2:58 PM
LCECC Director discusses importance of 911 operator role and impacts of new potential dispatch facility with National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week underway

Lyon County Emergency Communications Center Image.



While Lyon County Emergency Communications Center Director Roxanne Van Gundy tries to shine a spotlight on 911 staff daily, a national spotlight is now on them through the remainder of the week.

Now through through Saturday is the official observance of National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week, which recognizes the work of emergency communications officers and 911 dispatchers. During an interview with KVOE on Monday, Van Gundy stated that the week of recognition means a great deal to her staff, adding that they are truly deserving of it given the important role they play in emergency response.

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The theme for this year’s week of recognition in Emporia is “Camp Chaos,” with Van Gundy saying it leans into the theme of 911.

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Van Gundy’s appearance on KVOE’s Morning Show comes just a few days after Lyon County Commissioners approved the purchase of a 19-acre tract of land at West South Avenue. During their discussions on the purchase, it was revealed that in addition to a new shooting range and training facility for local law enforcement, the land is also set to house a new dedicated space for Lyon County 911.

Van Gundy says this project has been a long time coming as their current location inside of the Emporia Police Department was only meant to be a temporary residence, however, they have been there now for over a decade. While they’re grateful for the hospitality of EPD, Van Gundy says she and her staff are very cramped in the space, which limits many activities, including training for 911 operators.

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Van Gundy also says the new facility could also include dedicated space for operators to “take a breather” if necessary, as the stress of the job can take a toll on one’s mental health.

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National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week began in 1994 following the signing of a proclamation by then-President Bill Clinton. While 1994 was the first official observation of the week, the idea behind it was first introduced in 1981 by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office in California.