MAYOR'S MESSAGE During the April 1, 2025, City Council meeting, the week of April 13–19, 2025, was officially proclaimed as National Telecommunicators Week in Coos Bay. This annual observance honors the critical role that Public Safety Telecommunicators play in safeguarding our community. These professionals are the calm voices on the other end of the line during our most urgent moments—serving as the first, and often most vital, contact for those in crisis. This year’s proclamation holds added significance as it coincides with a historic achievement in public safety for Coos County: the successful consolidation of the county’s two 9-1-1 dispatch centers into the newly expanded North Coos 911 Dispatch Center, operated by the City of Coos Bay. This project represents a major milestone in intergovernmental collaboration and emergency service efficiency. After decades of discussion and unrealized efforts, the community came together to overcome budgetary, staffing, and logistical hurdles. In August 2024, overnight dispatch services for Coos County transitioned to Coos Bay. By November first, all Coos County dispatch employees had officially joined the North Coos 911 team. This transition was completed smoothly and effectively, improving response times, resource allocation, and continuity of emergency services across the region. The consolidation now supports dispatch for nine law enforcement and fifteen fire agencies. The scope of this achievement is reflected in the numbers. In 2024 alone: 108,163 calls were handled through North Coos 911, with the anticipation that calls will increase to 200,000 in 2025. 35,773 calls for service were responded to by the Coos Bay Police Department, And 20 certified dispatchers—working under our first-ever Communications Administrator, Tessa Cupp—continue to serve as the backbone of public safety operations. With a remodeled and expanded dispatch center, upgraded technology, and a dedicated team, North Coos 911 sets a high standard for operational excellence. It’s no surprise that this initiative has been nominated for the 2025 Award for Excellence by the League of Oregon Cities. As we celebrate National Telecommunicators Week, let’s take a moment to thank the voices behind the calls—those who work tirelessly, 24/7, to keep our community safe. -Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay