"Even though my whole family is nothing but Law Enforcement, I thought I started dispatching because I was 18 and I needed a full time job. Thinking back on it now, I did start dispatching because my whole family is Law Enforcement and I felt as if it was my calling. I can still remember the first time I sat in front of these SIX screens with a head set on thinking what in the... "How am I ever going to be able to understand what all of these buttons, screens, and radios do." But here I am, 4 years later; A full fledge dispatcher helping the "Baby Dispatchers" learn how to do what I do.
Let's talk training. Long days, lots of tears, a lot of headaches, and many days where you go home and say "I just can't", but then you get up the next day and you do it all over again; until it becomes second nature before you even realize it.
Eight months into my career I had my daughter. She changed EVERYTHING. Not only did she make me a mother, but she helped me change my perspective on calls for service. No matter how silly the call may seem, anything involving a child now becomes a priority for me. I always think, "What if that was Nova?"
Having this career has not only changed me, but it has changed how I handle certain situations, relationships with others, and the way I see the outside world. I never thought it was possible for me to feel so passionately about something, the way I do about this job.
Sometimes I find myself "Off-Duty" but going into "Dispatcher Mode". For instance, I find myself talking to my family and/or friends in Ten Codes or using the Phonetic Alphabet. Also, if I am out and about and see an Officer/Deputy running Code, I immediately call/text someone I know that is working in Dispatch and figure out where they are going. It's like you can't just "turn it off".
I never thought I could feel so strongly about people that I may have never met in person. Not only our Officers/Deputies but as well as some of our callers that call in daily. Even though sometimes, Dispatchers and Officers are at each others throats, we all deeply desire to help our community as a family.
In conclusion, this job has grown on me and made me grow. I will forever be thankful for the position I play in Anderson County Sheriff's Office."