I really don't think of it as a "Sacrifice"....I truly Loved my job - after being there for so long I got to know dispatchers and officers from adjoining departments and even now (after being retired and moving out of state) I keep in touch with them and feel they are "Family"....I guess after all WE went through together they are actually closer than your average family....Some of the Very Best people in the world are Law Enforcement !!
I totally understand. I was more referring to sacrificing the birthdays and holidays you missed with your family, and the toll this type of service takes on your physical body and mind. I’m willing to wager anyone who has had an intense 911 call or a had to control a horrific incident over a radio channel has endured more stress and trauma than the average citizen so that same average citizen can be safe. That recognition is missing in the industry as a whole in my opinion.
I was a Police/911 Dispatcher for 30 years, 6 months and 2 weeks (retired now)....It was at the same time, the Most Stressful AND Rewarding job I have ever had.... A Lot of the stress was from within the Dept.....Hopefully things have changed (for the better) since I retired....
Thank you for your sacrifice. I believe that telecommunicators are the most unrecognized and under-appreciated bunch in the first responder world. Unfortunately agency politics leads to the demise of some great careers and great people. God bless you for serving that long.
Very insightful and meaningful even after this many years. Although I loved the job, it was so disrespected leaving me who gave it all, feeling empty.
I also recall on several occasions not having paper towels until next Monday; why? A headset that would cut out, a computer where the font cannot be increased for those that needed it. It all seemed a bit like a constant uphill battle that cannot be won.
I made lifelong friends and appreciate my time spent learning in the Communications Center.
Thank You I would like to think that the higher Echelon would read this and maybe run with some of your suggestions/comments.
Thanks Again,
Butch Everett
Thank you, Butch. I hope you’re doing well.
I really don't think of it as a "Sacrifice"....I truly Loved my job - after being there for so long I got to know dispatchers and officers from adjoining departments and even now (after being retired and moving out of state) I keep in touch with them and feel they are "Family"....I guess after all WE went through together they are actually closer than your average family....Some of the Very Best people in the world are Law Enforcement !!
I totally understand. I was more referring to sacrificing the birthdays and holidays you missed with your family, and the toll this type of service takes on your physical body and mind. I’m willing to wager anyone who has had an intense 911 call or a had to control a horrific incident over a radio channel has endured more stress and trauma than the average citizen so that same average citizen can be safe. That recognition is missing in the industry as a whole in my opinion.
I was a Police/911 Dispatcher for 30 years, 6 months and 2 weeks (retired now)....It was at the same time, the Most Stressful AND Rewarding job I have ever had.... A Lot of the stress was from within the Dept.....Hopefully things have changed (for the better) since I retired....
Thank you for your sacrifice. I believe that telecommunicators are the most unrecognized and under-appreciated bunch in the first responder world. Unfortunately agency politics leads to the demise of some great careers and great people. God bless you for serving that long.
Andrew, please join us at Dispatchers as part of 1st responders on Facebook.
I sent the request from my Drew Breasy Uncuffed Page.
Thank you for this article Andy. From your mouth to God's ears.
Pam
Thank you for giving me the chance.
Chance?
The opportunity back in 1992.
Oh. Hey, I know a good thing when I see it! You are welcome!
Great write up.
Very insightful and meaningful even after this many years. Although I loved the job, it was so disrespected leaving me who gave it all, feeling empty.
I also recall on several occasions not having paper towels until next Monday; why? A headset that would cut out, a computer where the font cannot be increased for those that needed it. It all seemed a bit like a constant uphill battle that cannot be won.
I made lifelong friends and appreciate my time spent learning in the Communications Center.