Santa Barbara Police Department Acknowledges Dispatchers and Animal Control Officers
The Santa Barbara Police Department would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of two of law enforcement’s most critical partners, Dispatchers and Animal Control Officers. This is National Telecommunications Operators’ week and National Animal Control Officers’ week.
Police Dispatchers:
The Combined Communication Center is home to the Santa Barbara Police Department dispatchers and call takers. Dispatchers are often referred to as the central nervous system of law enforcement agencies. They are pivotal employees to our agency and community, coordinating most law enforcement responses. This team of dedicated staff are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to provide uninterrupted service to the Santa Barbara community. Calls received may be a simple question, involve dispatching critical resources such as police and fire personnel to emergency incidents, or lead to providing lifesaving direction over the phone to callers during medical emergencies.
Combined Communications Center Manager, Lt. Bryan Jensen stated, “Public Safety Dispatchers do not physically go to a scene, but often are the first ones there. Last year Santa Barbara City Police and Fire Dispatchers answered more than 58,000 911 calls. Fire Fighters and local physicians have determined that patients in Santa Barbara survived because of the lifesaving Emergency Medical Dispatch instruction provided while EMS responded to the scene. And for our First Responders in the field— Police, Fire, Harbor Patrol, Airport Police, and other agencies— there is no better sound in a life-threatening situation than the calm voice of the dispatcher on the radio along with the sound of sirens in the background signaling help is on the way. This week we celebrate our Public Safety Dispatchers, locally and across our nation. They are truly unsung heroes in their communities - First Responders behind the radio and phone lines who are always ready to help.”
Animal Control Officers:
Santa Barbara Animal Control Officers are essential to our agency. Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week celebrates and promotes Animal Control Officers who risk their safety and dedicate countless hours for the care of wildlife and domestic animals.
Animal Control Officers rescue helpless animals from situations of abuse, starvation, neglect, injury, and disease. They assist pet owners in locating resources for spay and neuter, low cost veterinary services, training, and more. Animal Control Officers are compassionate and committed people who serve day and night to ensure the safety of pets, people, and wild animals.
Animal Control Supervisor Sergeant Antonio Montojo said, “Santa Barbara Animal Control Officers are integral in keeping our community, our furry friends and wildlife safe. Animal Control officers work closely with the public by educating and enforcing various state laws and municipal codes violations. By doing so, Animal Control Officers prevent future animal bites and/or attacks to people and their pets, which enhance the overall quality of life in the City of Santa Barbara.”