Communications

Gardner 911 Dispatcher Logo
The Communications Division represents the Hub of all information that flows into the department, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The most critical communications are incoming 9-1-1 calls by both residents of the city, and visitors, often calling by cellphone. City of Gardner Communications field about 7000 9-1-1 calls per year.  Communication staff is trained for 9-1-1 calls, accurately obtaining  vital information, and dispatching resources to the scene. Our Staff consists of thoroughly trained professional men and women who are dedicated in public safety communications.  All of our staff are trained in Emergency Medical Dispatching and poses the ability to instruct callers with vital pre-arrival instructions. Personnel has a number of logistical duties involved in documenting each call, it is the  input of data that supplies responders on the streets with crucial information for best response to emergencies. The communication staff is the critical lifeline to Police, Fire, EMS  responding to not only high priority incidents, but also even simple calls for service assisting the citizens of the City. Gardner Communication Dispatchers are skillfully trained in compliance with State 911 regulations,  and  are continually  trained  to the most up to date standards ensuring the public is protected to the greatest extent.

Communications staff has many additional responsibilities that include;

  1. Overall security and monitoring of all detainees being held in lockup
  2. Address all questions and concerns from citizen walk-ins from street.
  3. Intake all general line calls for service and personnel within department.
  4. Staff is liaisons between the Mass Trial courts in dealing with all court related documents required.
  5. Staff contacts all needed resources necessary for various calls, for example; Mutual Aid needs, State Police tactical teams, the National Center for Missing Children, Telephone providers to locate cell phone callers in distress, and many more.
  6. Relaying of vital information over secured databases to alert multiple agencies of criminal activity.
  7. Sending messages, texts, and photograph’s that give first responders important information.
  8. Record checks for all firearms licensing, city issued permits, etc.
  9. Conduct warrant checks of persons, driver license checks for officers, court staff, and parole officers within the department and area.
  10. Support and education to department units, such as the Police Explorer’s unit.
  11. First point of Communications for Police, Fire, EMS and Animal Control. 


The world of emergency communications is constantly evolving and adding services that are indispensable to the community to promote a healthy and safe environment for everyone. Technology upgrades and new features such as Text to 9-1-1, partnership with RapidSOS, Interfaces with Powerphone EMD, LED, and FSD. Systems are evaluated and updated regular basis to reach the demands of these ever evolving systems. 

Interested in joining the Team? Reach out to our Director for more information on how to become a Public Safety Communications Dispatcher.