🎥 MAYOR: 'Now I understand' after touring emergency dispatch center

Hays Police Lt. Jeff Ridgway, Chief Don Scheibler, Lt. Brandon Wright, and Deputy Chief  Brian Dawson look on as dispatch employees post for pictures with city commissioners Thursday as part of  National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. — Hays Police Lt. Jeff Ridgway, Chief Don Scheibler, Lt. Brandon Wright, and Deputy Chief Brian Dawson look on as dispatch employees post for pictures with city commissioners Thursday as part of National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Hays police officers gave a standing ovation Thursday night for their emergency dispatchers following Mayor Sandy Jacobs' proclamation celebrating National Public Safety Telecommunications Week in Hays.

The Hays Police Department has overseen the communications department since it was transferred back to HPD control at the end of 2019. It continues to service law enforcement agencies in Ellis County along with fire departments and Ellis County EMS.

Front row: Shift Lead Brian Meis, Shift Lead Rachel Kraus, Dispatcher Schuyler Augustine, Mayor Sandy Jacobs, Dispatcher Abigail Bussen. Back row: Commissioner Ron Mellick, Commissioner Michael Burges, Vice Mayor Mason Ruder, and Commissioner Shaun Musil.

Jacobs told the department employees who posed for pictures with city commissioners "this really was an honor to read."

"When I became mayor, I had tours of multiple [city departments]. And the most important tour I got was the dispatch area.

"I was so moved by the compassion, the skill set," Jacobs said. "I was amazed.

"Having been a citizen of Hays all these years, I really didn't understand. But I do now and you are very much appreciated."

The police department celebrated its dispatchers all last week.