Dispatch is a Circus! – NPSTW 2026
Come one, come all! The team at Heartland Communications put together an amazing celebration for this year’s National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week or NPSTW. This year’s theme was Dispatch is a Circus and the week’s events did not disappoint.
Throughout the week, staff members were able to dress up on different themed days to capture the spirit of circus shenanigans. At the start of the week, Monday’s theme was “Roar at the Door” and more animal print than you can imagine. Tuesday included lots of laughs and colors with clowns all around, and Wednesday was “not so average” as everyone dressed up as circus side/freak shows. We ended the week on Thursday and Friday with “the dream team” in pajamas to ensure a cozy finale for everyone.
The Public Outreach and Employee Recognition working group really outdid themselves with this year’s decorations. They completely transformed the ECC into a “Bit Top” that included world-famous snacks, puzzling games, and classic “stage acts” for all to see. And when was the last time you skipped?
Many of the agencies in our JPA generously brought over lunch and dinner meals for the crew to enjoy during the week. Thank you to Alpine, Barona, Bonita, Heartland F&R, Lakeside, San Miguel, Santee, Sycuan, and Viejas for making everyone at HCFA feel extra special.
As part of NPSTW, dispatchers are given the chance to earn tickets based off personal achievements from throughout the year, such as EMD scores, CPR saves, and years of service. From there, team members can put tickets towards raffle prizes and baskets to help celebrate all their hard work. Some of this year’s prizes included Padres tickets, opportunities to attend conferences, and goody baskets galore!
During this time, HCFA also announces who was selected for Dispatcher of the Year and who the Top EMD Performer was. Prepare to be amazed as we recognize Rex A. (Dispatcher of the Year) and Hannah C. (Top TEMD Performer). Congratulations to you both!
Everyone at HCFA extends a deeply sincere thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s NPSTW celebration happen. Here’s to the hardest-working, most dedicated and exceptional dispatch team the world has ever seen!