BY DONNA SWICEGOOD

N.C. Rep. Jeff McNeely delivered a simple message during his visit to the Iredell County Emergency Communications Center on Thursday.

“Thank you for all your hard work,” he said more than once to the telecommunicators during the visit.

N.C. Sen. Vickie Sawyer also expressed her gratitude to the men and women who answer 911 calls and dispatch emergency responders every day.

Sawyer and McNeely toured the center in recognition of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, which is observed April 16-20.

Sawyer arrived mid-afternoon Thursday, and after meeting with ECOM Director Candy Miller, she took a tour of the dispatch center. Sawyer talked with some of the staff in between their work answering calls from the public.

“I just wanted to show my appreciation to them for what they do,” she said.

McNeely arrived in late afternoon to meet the staff and hear about the work they do.

Miller and 911 technical support specialist Stephen Smith told the two lawmakers about the workings of the 911 center. In both tours, Smith called 911 to show McNeely and Sawyer how calls are handled, and the features available to assist the telecommunicators.

ECOM has 63 staff members, including 50 who wear headsets.

All around the center were balloons, cards and other signs of appreciation for the telecommunicators.

During the week, different themes were observed allowing the telecommunicators to temporarily abandon the uniforms they wear at work. One day was cowboy day and, on Thursday, telecommunicators were allowed to don the apparel of their favorite sports team.

“It’s a small way to make them feel special,” Smith said.

For McNeely and Sawyer the tour provided a glimpse into the day-to-day work these telecommunicators perform.

“I want to thank each and every one of you. I am glad you are here,” McNeely said.