Laramie County Dispatch Award Ceremony
- hollingsheadforcom
- May 27
- 2 min read
In my opinion, one of the most challenging jobs in public safety is being a dispatcher. Like law enforcement and firefighters, they work long hours and deal with complex and sometimes life-threatening situations. However, dispatchers face unique challenges. They seldom get the closure the other professions do. In most instances, a firefighter arrives on the scene of an incident and can take physical action from the beginning to the conclusion of the event; the same goes for law enforcement. But for a dispatcher, the job doesn't end when the call is over. They often have to move on to the next call without the time to process what happened, because someone else needs their help when the phone rings again.
Dispatchers are the unsung heroes in the world of public safety. They are the vital link between the public and the resources they dispatch to an incident. Their ability to remain calm and provide life-saving instructions, such as CPR, to a frantic caller is truly commendable. They also work closely with first responders, providing crucial information and summoning additional resources as needed.
Can you imagine the adrenaline pumping through your body in a situation like this, and then it is over? You go on to the next call without the time to process what happened because someone else needs your help when the phone rings again. Seldom ever knowing what happened to the crash victim, domestic violence victim, or other people involved, and any number of life-altering events.
It takes a special kind of person to handle the challenges that accompany the dispatcher job.
To honor the men and women who answer the call when seconds count, County Dispatch Coordinator Amber Young holds an awards banquet each year to recognize all of their efforts. This year, on May 15th, several dispatchers were recognized for over-the-phone CPR events where they instructed the callers on how to perform the lifesaving procedure, saving a life. Everyone in the dispatch center was recognized for all they have done during the previous year to ensure the safety of the public and first responders.
As a retired first responder, I was deeply honored to receive an invitation to attend this year’s event and witness the dispatchers receive their well-deserved recognition. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the dispatchers for their unwavering commitment to our community. Your dedication and bravery do not go unnoticed. Thank you, dispatchers, for all that you do for our community, and thank you, Amber, for taking the time and effort to showcase their achievements and dedication.
