THIS WEEK: The second week of April is recognized as National Public Safety Communicators’ Week.

McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer released a statement regarding the recognition:

“The dispatchers in McKean County are the first point of contact for many victims of crime, and they are called upon to ensure the appropriate response is provided. They are required to gather information from the caller and maintain composure during times of excessive stress.

“Dispatchers are also the first point of contact for our first responders. Notwithstanding handling a large volume of calls, they identify the services necessary with ease and convey to first responders the nature of any risk they may face on the call.

“Their services are vital to — and relied on by — victims, police, firefighters, and ambulance personnel.

“The constant juggling of tasks from calming victims and directing witnesses to alerting first responders is a testament to their expertise. They are critical to each call — which often involve life and death situations.

“The McKean County District Attorney’s Office extends its gratitude for our county’s dispatchers.”

——— TODAY: Today is National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day. Enjoy one with soup for a hearty meal.