Happy National Telecommunicator Week!

This week is National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week!

We are celebrating all of our 911 dispatchers. They are been instrumental for years and years being that calm voice in the middle of the darkness. They protect their officers, firefighters, medics, and they are the "first" first responders on scene during your emergency. When you call into dispatch whether if it is an emergency or not an emergency, these are the people that are pickig up the phone and helping you by sending repsonders out to help you. They do more than just take phone calls though, they keep their responders safe by providing them information over radio traffic, they research potential threats in the National Crime Information Center database for traffic stops, they provide navigation to their responders, and so much more!

I am a former 911 dispatcher myself and it is true that dispatch will always be a part of you no matter what. When people find out that you have done this type of job they always ask about the craziest calls we take and things that we have heard,however, I can speak for most that most of the time we really don't want to talk about it and try to lock these traumatic experiences away because we do not want our loved ones to experience what we did. 

I can sit here all day and give you my point of view but  I have decided to reach out to one of my best friends who is still currently a dispatcher so we can visit her experience.

Everyone I would like for you to meet Jensy who has been my best friend for the last 18 years.

Taken back in June 2019.

Jensy was introduced to the dispatching world after I was there for a good solid six months. She started in the Academy and absolutely fell in love with it.

I have asked her a seris of questions so that you may learn about what 911 dispatchers do and the importance of their job roles. 

See her interview below:

Jensy dispatches for Williamson County in Franklin, TN. Williamson County Emergency Communications consists of over 12 different agencies all including Police, Fire, and EMS.

How long have you been dispatching? 

Two years in November. 

What is your favorite discipline to dispatch? What disciplines are you trained on?

My favorite is probably fire, but I really love law too. I am trained to work every radio in the center. 

What is the easiest thing about the job?

Getting along with co-workers, I get to work with some great individuals <3

What is the most difficult thing about the job?

Hearing someone on the other line suffer and knowing I can't physically do anything about it; at times you can feel like you're stuck or your hands are tied. 

How important is building a community with fellow dispatchers?

Very important. No one knows what your go through or how your job really is unless they've sat in that chair and had a headset on. 

What is a piece of advice you would give to someone thinking about  joining dispatch?

Look into it, go do a sit in and see a little of our world. You also have to be okay with no knowing every detail and outcome. It's a demanding job that you get little credit for but at the end of the day its very rewarding. 

Why did you become a dispatcher?

I always wanted to do something with emergency management. I wanted a career that I could make an impact on someone's life. This is a career where people will always need you and you can always help someone whether it's their best or worst day. 

What do you love the most about dispatch besides the regular cliches of helping others?

Felling accomplished, knowing at the end of the day I made a positive impact on someone's life. Knowing my responders depend on me, and the rush of not knowing what the day will bring. That's what keeps me coming back each day. 

What are some important things people need to know about 911/ before they call 911?

911 is for life threatening emergencies only! We do have a non emergency line you can call for any other problems or questions.. Please, if you call 911 and know where you are tell us first thing what your address is or where you are.. remember we can't get you the help you need unless we know where you are!! 

 What are some things you wish your responders knew about dispatch?

That we do more then just sit around and wait for the phone to ring. While they may be on one call we are dealing with every call that agency has at that time. Be patient with us, we're more than likely doing about 10 things at once. :) 

What do you do in order to handle the high stress this job brings?

Go outside breath in some fresh air, clear my mind. Also jamming to music to and from work helps.

How does dispatch affect you:

Mentally? Mentally it's draining at times.. your brain is constantly going during any given shift even when you're not busy.

Emotionally? Some calls are very emotional, but you can't show that emotion on the phone because you have to be the calm voice in the midst of chaos.  

Psychically? Psychically its not so bad.  Sitting in uncomfortable chairs all day can do a number on your back.

Spiritually? It has brought me closer to God, he gives me the strength to get up and put this headset on everyday.

What is your favorite memory in dispatch ?

I have too many memories!! Probably the time  I was training and a guy called me about his dog..  it wasn't breathing well and I was totally blindsided on what to tell this guy. I asked my trainer "How do you give CPR to a dog?" I still laugh about that. Or the time I resuscitated a ground hog- that was pretty cool!

Why do you think there is such a high turnover rate?

This is a hard job! You are either made for it or you're not and unfortunately a lot of people aren't "cut out" for the job. I think a lot of people get into thinking it's going to be like what it is on TV and it's nothing like what you see. 

Why do you think you're made for this job?

I'm a problem solver. I like to fix people's problems. I like the fast paced that this can bring at times. I am very level headed and patient. 

What are some characteristics a great dispatcher should have?

Team player, Patience, level headedness, willingness to learn, and be able to cope with changes all the time.

What characteristics do you look for when finding a mentor in dispatch?

Someone who truly loves their job, someone who is willing to help with anything you may need and not make you feel stupid for asking questions - even though we all ask stupid questions,  Someone who will not give up on you even when you feel like giving up on yourself. 

How has dispatch changed your life?

I've met people that I work for and became great friends with them. It's taught me more patience and not to take life for granted.

What is something you wish the public knew about this job?

That we're here to help. We work extremely hard behind the scenes to get the correct responders to you to help you. Please be kind and know every question were asking you is meaningful. We ask questions to update our responders and it sometimes changes our response plans. Please know from the time we confirm your address we have already sent help to you and that the questions don't slow anything down - I promise! 

What is the most important thing you've taken away from training?

That you can't always be 100% perfect. You will make mistakes, but at the end of the day as long as you got the appropriate help to the person in need of it then you've done your job.

What  makes a great CTO? Supervisor? 

Someone who is willing to teach you everything they know about the job. Someone that is willing help mold you into the dispatcher you are going to be.

What is the most successful tool an agency can give to their dispatchers?

Good training and proper equipment to do their jobs. 

What makes a good dispatcher?

Hard work, dedication, patience, a good sense of humor, and teamwork. 

Thank you so much Jensy for participating in this week's post! I am so happy to have you on to share with the world on how important 911 dispatchers are to our communities!

Guys, please thank your 911 dispatchers and let them know how appreciated they are!