Members of the Wood County Sheriff’s Department pose with two new deputies, Jeffery Jones, center left, and Jordan Mills, center right, who were sworn in on Thursday at the Wood County Courthouse. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

PARKERSBURG — The Wood County Commission is recognizing next week as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

Wood County 911 Director Mike Shook appeared before the commission on Thursday for a resolution to be adopted recognizing those who answer emergency calls and dispatch help to people in immediate need during the week of April 13-19.

“Emergencies can occur at any time that require law enforcement, fire or emergency medical services…,” Commission President Blair Couch read from the resolution. “…when an emergency occurs, the prompt response of law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMS providers is critical to the protection of life and preservation of property…

“The safety of our law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMS providers is dependent upon the quality and accuracy of information obtained from citizens who contact the 911 Center for Wood County…,” he read.

Public safety telecommunicators are the first and most critical contact citizens have with emergency services, the resolution stated, as well as a vital link for first responders by monitoring their activities by radio, providing them information and ensuring their safety.

“Public Safety Telecommunicators are critical in improving the chance of survival for patients who experience sudden cardiac arrest by recognizing the need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other lifesaving interventions prior to arrival of EMS,” Couch read.

The resolution said dispatchers have “exhibited compassion, understanding and professionalism during the performance of their job in the past year.”

The resolution passed unanimously by Couch, Commissioner Jimmy Colombo and Commissioner Robert Tebay.

In other business:

* The Wood County Sheriff’s Department swore in two new deputies, Jordan Mills and Jeffery Jones. Chief Deputy Mike Deem said these two hires will put the department almost at full staff.

“Both these gentlemen have shown they are willing to learn, and I think they will do a good job for us,” Deem said.

* The commission awarded a bid for the removal of a dilapidated double-wide trailer and cleanup of property at 1125 Kesterson Road in Parkersburg. J.C. Bosley Construction of Parkersburg got the job for $7,800. One other bid was received, from Tim Graham Excavating of Parkersburg, for $8,200.

* The commission accepted a bid from Miller Communications for emergency lights for five vehicles with the Wood County Sheriff’s Department for $64,000. The commission turned the bid over to Wood County Sheriff Rick Woodyard for review.

Brett Dunlap can be reached at bdunlap@newsandsentinel.com.