They work with first responders to help keep you safe even in the most dangerous situations.
Three Pottwattamie County dispatchers are honored for helping save lives.
Operator Elizabeth Cleveland, Rachel Bassich and Mallory Totuselk were all celebrated for their efforts with the Life Save Award.
When the difference between life and death is just a matter of moments, 911 dispatchers for Pottawattamie County stepped up to help a woman in need of CPR - directing family members on how to apply the life saving maneuver.
"I think when you have life threatening situations it's one of those things you just take over. Something inside of you just says hey I got this I can help you," said Elizabeth Cleveland. "It's what we really bred to do. The 911 dispatcher personality."
"A lot of times we're called the first first responders. I truly believe that. Without them starting the initial help, when the help does arrive it's already been started it's already began," said Robert Andersen, Communications Center Director.
The 911 call had dropped but Elizabeth Cleveland the team of dispatchers were able to work together to bring the woman the care she needed.
"To have a situation where someone walks away with their life and a family gets to see them again makes it really, really worth it," said Cleveland.
This week is National Public Safety Telecommunications Week to honor those who work behind the scenes.
