WARREN — Trumbull County 911 Director Tacy McDonough is asking the commissioners to support a resolution that will recognize dispatchers as first responders and emergency personnel, instead of in a clerical subdivision of employees.

The recognition is being sought by agencies across Ohio and nationwide to provide 911 employees increased recognition for the work they perform, including increasing the level of pay they may be able to receive.

“Other counties are doing this,” McDonough said. “Once you guys do this, then we will send it to state representatives to urge them to try to urge them to join the national push to get movement going.”

McDonough said the effort has passed the Senate.

Trumbull County Commissioner Denny Malloy said there has been an effort to recognize dispatchers as first responders for at least 15 years.

“We were trying to do this during COVID-19,” Malloy said. “There were certain benefits — perks of the job — they were not qualified for because of their classification. It is a travesty they have not been recognized as first responders.”

“This is something that I fully support,” he continued. “I’m glad to see other counties are taking this on too.”

Commissioner Tony Bernard questioned if the County Commissioners Association has supported this effort.

In the meantime, McDonough noted 911 received four submissions from people wanting to bid to provide locations for a future 911 center. The bids closed last Friday.

“One of the submissions was rejected because it did not meet required recommendations,” she said. “The other three, we are going on site visits on Thursday to go look at the facilities with our consultants and architect.

“Once that is done, they will submit which one, or which ones, they believe will be the best way to go,” she said.