JOHN DAY — April 9-15 is National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week, and the Grant County Emergency Communications Agency invites you to “adopt a dispatcher” to show your appreciation for the work these men and women do to keep your community safe.

Grant County’s 911 dispatchers answer emergency calls at all hours of the day and night, dispatching law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical services and rendering life-saving assistance to those in need.

This year, Grant County residents can adopt a dispatcher and show their gratitude by sending handwritten notes or cards, small gifts or gift cards. Adoption is open to individuals, families, businesses, church groups and organizations.

To participate, send an adoption request to Cammie Haney, Grant County’s 911 director, at haneyc@grantcounty-or.gov. She’ll assign a dispatcher to you and email you back with the person’s name.

Cards, letters and packages can be mailed to the John Day Fire Hall at 316 S. Canyon Blvd., John Day, OR 97845, or dropped off at the fire hall between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.