In 1981, Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County (CA) Sheriff's Office, organized the first National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. The aim continues to be to allow communities across the United States to recognize those who help save lives in times of personal or national crisis such as dispatchers, 9-1-1 call takers, technicians that maintain radio and emergency phone systems, communications staff trainers, supervisors and managers of communications centers, and telecommunications staff across the United States.

This year The Association of Public Safety Officials International (APCO) has established a National Public Safety Telecommunications Week blog to facilitate agencies around the country to share celebration thoughts and ideas, photos and videos. The blog is also open to the general public to submit stories and express their appreciation.

Gregory Riddle, president of APCO International said, "This is a small way each year where citizens should thank their local and national public safety telecommunicators, the public's first contacts during emergencies, for performing mission critical tasks behind the scenes supporting police, fire, and emergency medical personnel on the street."