Minneapolis celebrates opening of new 911 dispatch facility which they say will help attract new, much-needed operators

Minneapolis City officials gather to celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunications Week with the opening of new 911 dispatch facility.

On average in Minneapolis, 911 dispatchers handle nearly 600,000 calls per year and after 30 years of operating out of a small lightless office in the basement of City Hall, they will have a new work space with natural light and new equipment.

Mayor Jacob Frey gave a mayoral proclamation speech honoring those who answer the emergency calls.

"These are heroes that truly deserve a magnificent place to work and they deserve wonderful working conditions in doing it because here's the truth, they've got a real hard job," says Frey. "These are our first responders of the first responders."

During the mayor's address, 911 Director Joni Hodne thanked those who choose to be behind the phone for their commitment, service, and sacrifice.

"Heroes come in many forms and not all of them wear capes," says Hodne. "Consider the 911 tele-communicators, a highly trained group of professionals who work behind the scenes. Their calm clear voices are the beacon of hope in your darkest moments, guiding you through emergencies. They are the ones who ensure that the right help reaches you at the right time."

The office is still under their staffing goal and hope the new space can help attract new talent.