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Emergency communications specialists celebrate National Telecommunications Week

Posted at 6:37 PM, Apr 18, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-18 19:47:14-04

BELL COUNTY, TX — April 15-19 marks National Telecommunications Week, and emergency communications specialists at the Bell County Communications Center are celebrating.

Throughout the week, people at the communication center have been bringing food and gifts, and later, they will cap off the celebration with a spa day.

The week of recognition comes just in time as dispatchers and call takers wrap up weeks of taking severe weather calls.

"The call volume increases, radio traffic increases and so do responders out in the field," Director of Operations Aubrey Huckaby said.

The high call volume comes from a higher amount of accidents, flooding and power outages.

Those that work in the operations center in Bell County said no matter what the call, they are always standing by.

"We have had flooding and I was here during the Fort Hood shooting events, but it's not always about the big major events, it's the ones where it’s an individual who is having an emergency and you are connecting with that one person who needs help and you are here to answer that call," Huckaby said.

Brittany Menix has been in the telecommunications industry for roughly four years and said while all the calls don't go the way she hopes, this career is still something she takes pride in.

"I really enjoy it, I like being able to know that I got you help," Menix said.

Bell County Communications Center Officials said there will be hiring opportunities in the summer of 2019, you can also call 254-933-5500 for observation opportunities.