Emergency dispatchers were once labeled 'Earth Angels in Headsets.' In fact, a published piece called 'A Promise' refers to the Angel of Lifework, a network of professional, extraordinary individuals from the Public safety assemblage brought together for a special calling. The people who Answer the Call...

During this, Nat'l Public Safety Tel-Communicator Week, we're hearing from those T/C's who very-seldom get the recognition, that pat-on-the-back for an outstanding job well done.

In the Kankakee County 9-1-1 Center, KAN-Com dispatchers Anne Spanos and Jen Palacio recently helped in delivering an unexpected baby. Anne took the initial call and coached the boyfriend caller...that calm demeanor of Ann and Jen enabled the caller to remain calm. The end result: a positive outcome.

"It was the first time I've had to help with a baby delivery, so I was nervous, but he (the boyfriend) handled it well, he was calm and she (the mother) was calm," Spanos told 94.1 WGFA. "

Spanos credits the boyfriend, but it was her calm demeanor and coaching over the phone that played a major role in the success of the delivery.

Tele-Communicator Jen Palacio was also at the controls in the KanCom 9-1-1 Center.

"Anne did a great job. She handled it great, took the call and took control very quick," Palacio said. The team effort saw Palacio relay vital info the rolling first-responders while Spanos guided the baby's parents with the delivery.

Both women added, dispatching is a team effort. Dispatchers typically have two constant companions, other dispatchers and stress. They depend on one, and try to ignore the other.

The public should come to realize what dispatchers do in every emergency situation.

94.1 WGFA