Lebanese-Born Call Taker Brings Heart, Heritage and Skill to Public Safety

Public safety telecommunicator Sarah Bou Nader is a member of the Ottawa Police Service’s 9-1-1 communications team. 

As an Arabic-speaking call taker, she is equipped with linguistic and cultural understanding that helps bridge communication gaps during emergencies involving Arabic-speaking callers.

​According to the 2021 Canadian Census, the Arabic-speaking community in Ottawa constitutes a significant and vibrant segment of the city's multicultural fabric. Arabic is the most common non-official first language in the Ottawa-Gatineau area.

The Ottawa Police Service has 24/7 access to interpreters to ensure effective communication with residents from diverse linguistic backgrounds. The organization also draws on the language skills of multilingual staff members who speak Italian, Spanish, Mandarin, Portuguese, Hindi, and many more.

Originally from Baabda, Lebanon — a town steeped in history and known for its stunning landscapes — Sarah brings not only technical skill and calm under pressure, but also the warmth and resilience of her heritage.

 “Lebanon has a rich and diverse heritage,” she explains. “Our culture is deeply rooted in family values, hospitality, delicious cuisine, and a strong connection to traditions.”

Growing up surrounded by music, food, and community, she developed a profound sense of empathy and service — traits that now serve her well in a high-stress role. 

Sarah is now in the process of training as a dispatcher. She approaches this next chapter with the same drive that brought her to a career in emergency telecommunications. 

“What brought me to a career in dispatch was my strong desire to help others and make a difference in critical moments,” she says. “Working as a 9-1-1 dispatcher allows me to be the calm voice in someone’s most stressful situation.” 

“Every call I take is a chance to make a difference in someone’s life,” she shares. “We may not be physically on the scene, but we are the first point of contact in an emergency working behind the scenes to assess the situation, provide life-saving instructions, and coordinate the right response.”

Whether calmly assisting a panicked caller during an emergency or coordinating resources to a critical scene, Sarah and the team of communicators around her respond with focus, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to keeping our community safe.

The Ottawa Police Communications Centre is home to a diverse team of communicators who serve as the first point of contact for the city during emergencies, bringing a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and skills to this critical role.

During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, we take time to appreciate our police communicators and reporting unit members. Their dedication, care, and hard work make a real difference, and they deserve our thanks — not just this week, but all year round.