police dispatchers describe why they chose their job

1. TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK APRIL 12-18, 2015
Here’s why we decided to become dispatchers

2. Why I became a Telecommunicator.
 ‘After high school I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I only knew sitting in a hot
classroom listening to someone constantly talk wasn't in the near future for me as
I'd done that all my life up until then. So I joined the Army under the Military
Police to become more than I was. Over six years of moving all over the world, I
decided to go back to school for Computer Programming. I did well in school and I
loved building computers. I missed the structure and discipline of the military in
my work & amongst my co-workers in those jobs. I decided to apply at the local
PD's dispatch center and was hired. That was over 10 years ago and I'm glad I've
found this field. Instead of handling the one call - I handle multiple calls from
dispatch. You constantly have to make decisions on the phone and radio within
seconds or else many lives will be in danger. Like the military, you have to find
ways to get the job done with limited resources under heavy scrutiny from the
public and your peers/leadership. This isn't a job for the weak of mind or soul
and I won't stop until I retire.’ – PSO Tinari

3. Why I became a Telecommunicator.
“I wanted to help people and be a part of
something bigger than myself in doing so. I
like working as a team with officers,
outside resources, command, and each
other to achieve our goals and solve
problems.” – PSO Krystyniak

4. Why I became a Telecommunicator.
 ‘For me, dispatching is actually my 2nd career. When I decided to make a move from
my last job, I made a list of all the companies and organizations I wanted to work for. I
was working for a very good company with a great corporate culture, and I knew I
would not be happy if I didn’t find another great place to work, with talented people, a
great mission, and the right environment. I began monitoring the job postings and saw
that Auburn Hills was looking for an emergency dispatcher. My previous experience,
training and interests aligned well with both the requirements of the job and it was
also one of the top places I wanted to work. It’s the right job for me, in a great
organization, and I am thankful to be able to contribute to the safety and wellbeing of
my fellow citizens.’ – PSO Torres

5. Why I became a Telecommunicator.
 ‘I had a friend who told me interesting stories of the challenges he
encountered working as a dispatcher and it caught my interest. His work
seemed so exciting, never knowing what to expect from call to call. Having
some medical knowledge as a paramedic, I decided I could help people
working as a dispatcher. The department where I started didn’t really have a
training program, so as I learned, I started to develop a training program for
them. It was a small department and I missed everyone when I left to start at
Auburn Hills. I began at Auburn Hills Police Department 17 years ago, love our
people, and love the fact that I never know what is going to happen, from day
to day.’ – PSO Page

6. Why I became a Telecommunicator.
 ‘I’ve always wanted to have a career that involved helping people. When I
was in high school my idea of a perfect career was being a nurse - mainly
because my mom was one. Then, I took a forensic science class on a whim in
college and shortly after, fell in love with the criminal justice field. The next
semester I met with my counselor and applied to the criminal justice
program. When it was time for my internship, my professor connected me
with the Auburn Hills Police Department. During my internship, I had the
pleasure of working with both the officers & dispatchers. When I found out
that there was an open position for a dispatcher, I knew I had to apply. I love
my job and in the end, I still got what I wanted out of a career; helping
people.’ – PSO Reyes

7. Why I became a Telecommunicator.
 ‘Growing up, I had good experiences with law enforcement and firefighters,
they were always teaching kids how to be safer and educated the community
about situations within the city. I knew that I wanted to be part of a career
that gives back to the community in a BIG way, too. So when the opportunity
presented itself I applied for the Police Servicer Officer (dispatcher) position
with the Auburn Hills Police Department, I have been dispatching for 7 years.’
– PSO Tuff