From Brown County Sheriff John Merchant

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and express my gratitude not only for my dispatch personnel, but also for our partner agencies.

We are very fortunate to have the highly skilled dispatch staff at the Brown County Sheriff’s Office. The work they do is extremely demanding and often thankless, yet their professionalism and effectiveness in handling emergency calls make a tremendous difference every day. Their service is both rewarding and deeply appreciated.

Several years ago, Kansas formally recognized dispatchers as first responders—a designation they have long deserved.

I want to sincerely thank my dispatch staff and let you know that your dedication does not go unnoticed. You are appreciated more than you know.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW) is observed annually during the second full week of April (April 12–18, 2026). This week honors the “first responders” who answer emergency calls and dispatch police, fire, and medical personnel. It recognizes the dedication, composure, and professionalism of 911 telecommunicators—often referred to as the “Thin Gold Line.”