Posted on April 19, 2024
Newtown, CT – Hearts of Hope Newtown recently hosted a ‘Paint with a Purpose’ event honoring 911 Emergency Dispatchers. State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) and Marty Foncello (R-107) thanked the organization for their continued efforts to bring hope to those who serve the community.
About a dozen community members attended the event, which took place during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
Newtown Emergency Communications Center Director Maureen Will, who also serves as the town’s Deputy Emergency Management Director, spoke with participants about the work of dispatchers and what goes on behind the scenes during emergency calls. She also relayed how much the painted ceramic hearts, along with the messages of hope, meant to Newtown dispatchers when a previous batch were delivered to them.
“Our 9-1-1 Emergency Dispatchers are often taken for granted, but they’re the calming, helpful voice we hear first when we call for help. They begin the process of directing resources and the appropriate public safety response we need,” said Rep. Bolinsky. But they’re seldom on the line long enough for us to be able to say “thank you for caring”.
Hearts of Hope, helps express our gratitude in a simple, beautiful way. What Diane and Ivey have built allows members of our community to come together to create these hand-painted messages of hope, kindness, and encouragement for folks, or entire communities, who need and deserve a hug.”
“I want to thank Hearts of Hope for hosting a wonderful night to honor 911 Emergency Dispatchers. This was perfect timing to show appreciation for these dedicated individuals during a week set aside to recognize their work,” said Rep. Foncello. “Emergency dispatchers work behind the scenes and are often the calming voice for people at some of the worst moments in their lives. They are not seen, but they are heard and I thank them for their service.”
Hearts of Hope is a healing art program formed following the September 11, 2001, attacks. The Newtown chapter was started in the wake of the shooting at Sandy Hook School in December of 2012.