Public Safety Communications Officers play a vital role in protecting the life and property of Barton County citizens, a proclamation adopted by the Barton County Commission reads in part. It goes on to mark this as National Public Safety Communications Officers Week. Dena Popp, 911 Director, addressed the commissioners:“This week brings a lot of honor, publicity and celebration to the unsung heroes who unselfishly serve in their communities,” she said, “Across the nation in times of intense personal crisis, and community wide disasters, the first access point for those seeking emergency service is 911.