You would think that 911 dispatchers are considered first responders. While a lot of people believe they are, the nation and most states have them legally categorized as clerical workers. The same people who answer the most critical phone calls you may make in your lifetime are legally classified as secretaries. The same people who talk you into putting the shot gun down, give you life saving instructions for cpr, are the lifeline for any police officer, firefighter, or paramedic out in the field are considered secretaries.
Why does the classification matter? If 911 telecommunications were nationally recognized as first responders, it would help keep training standards high for the entire country. Some 911 centers have no formal trainings or certifications to be obtained to be a 911 dispatcher. While some agencies are highly accredited, this is not the case for some.
Another point is that 911 telecommunicators would be able to retire at 25 instead of 30. The amount of stress this job brings has countless negative health effects that impact the human body. Many sacrifice their mental and physical health to perform this job. Retiring early with some of the same benefits as other first responders would be very hard earned and well deserved.
Dispatchers are the FIRST first responder. You don’t see us, but we are the lifeline you hear. We will stay on the phone with you until help arrives. We are the ones that select the appropriate units and response to send you. When officers scream for help on the radio, we coordinate surrounding agencies to respond and respond quickly. We memorize the officers voices so we know who it is that calls for help. When firemen fall through the floor in a building fire, we hear their mayday. And we send everyone to them. We are always there, but never seen. So we are forgotten. Please do not forget us this time, and consider reclassifying this job title nationally. It would change the history of the 911 industry and make all agencies better for it.