04/15/2026
The amount of radio traffic that comes out of these consoles to the person sitting in that chair is mind boggling!! Takes a special type of person, that is for sure! Happy Dispatch Appreciation Week to ALL dispatchers!
In honor of Dispatch Appreciation Week, we’re highlighting our team at the Sanford Regional Communications Center (SRCC) the calm, steady voices behind every emergency response.
A “day in the life” of a dispatcher is fast-paced, highly coordinated, and constantly evolving. Working in a center that is staffed 24/7, year-round, each 12-hour shift begins with logging into two phone systems and monitoring up to seven computer screens that track radio traffic, mapping, call information, and responder status across multiple communities.
From the start of a shift, dispatchers are managing it all, answering 911 calls, handling business lines, and dispatching police, fire, and EMS across multiple jurisdictions. They are often the first point of contact for someone in crisis, quickly gathering critical information while remaining calm and focused.
This work requires months of intensive training before taking live calls, ensuring dispatchers are prepared for the high-pressure decisions they make every day.
SRCC provides 911 answering and comprehensive dispatch services for Acton, Berwick, Kennebunk, Lebanon, Limerick, Newfield, North Berwick, South Berwick, Sanford, Springvale, and Shapleigh and police dispatch services for Alfred, Arundel, Lyman, and Waterboro.
In 2025 alone, SRCC handled 119,198 calls for service, answered 26,577 9-1-1 calls, and processed 146,438 incoming or outgoing business line calls.
Behind every call is a trained professional making split-second decisions to keep our communities safe. We are deeply grateful for the dedication, skill, and resilience of our dispatchers. They are truly the first, first responders, so please join us in thanking and celebrating our SRCC team this week!
