Guest guest Posted April 15, 2001 Report Share Posted April 15, 2001 After reading the posts it seems that we once again have had a mixed blessing during NTW, with some previous " have-nots " joining the ranks of the " haves " . Congratulations to all who celebrated, and an electronic pat on the back those who didn't, for a job well done throughout the year. As a former TC, I try to go out of my way to make this week special. We have activities each day Monday through Friday, and our TC of the year gets a $500 bonus and a trip to the APCO Conference (this year it's Salt Lake). I am fortunate in that we have support from our governments to fund this recognition, as well. All this brings me to the real issues surrounding lack of recognition; lack of awareness and lack of $$$. The first is the most critical, because if nobody in authority knows that it's NTW it doesn't matter if there are a few bucks that can be funneled in that direction. If you are really interested in celebrating NTW next year (or perhaps even 9-1-1 day on 9/11/2001) the time to start campaigning is NOW. Since agency budgets are generally planned well in advance, you have to make your desires known early. However, even if municipal funding is an issue, there are several low or no cost things you can do. Proclamations are free, and I don't know too many politicians who turn down a chance for some press. Get a local civic group to sponsor an award. Use desktop publishing to create certificates. Do the things that others have posted here this week. The opportunities are endless. But the opportunity that is missed most often is the opportunity to begin. Unless WE collectively tell our story, it's not that nobody will care, but rather that nobody will know about it to care. (As an editorial comment, since I began 911heroes.net I have received only one positive story that didn't come from the folks at Dispatch Monthly. If someone inside the industry has to work at finding something good is it any wonder that those outside get their impressions solely from the " horror stories " ?) Whether it is the celebration of TC Week, the need for more staff or higher pay, or the problems surrounding wireless, it falls upon us to get the word out. If we don't do it, nobody will. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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