I first wrote this article about 5 years ago and my sentiments haven't changed. I attribute some of the reasons I was able to go home every night to the fine men and women that work with us everyday. Without their support and dedication we would be on our own in some pretty harsh environments. I am posting this again in honor of "National Telecommunications Week"
From the time I get in my car to the end of my shift I have angels that watch over me. They are the unsung heroes of LMPD and every Police Department and other emergency services. They are the Call Takers and Dispatchers.
They sit in cramped rooms at desks full of monitors. There are no windows in these rooms, because that could cause glare or provide a distraction. Their world is a monitor and a headset. They are virtually blind because they cannot see who they are speaking to. They have to anticipate and visualize what they are sending their Officers out on. Could it be routine call for service or a life and death situation?
I have talked with many of my friends that are dispatchers and they worry over us. The fear for us each time they send us out on a run. They feel helpless sometimes because they cannot physically be there with us, but they are there with us. They are our lifeline when things go wrong.
When someone calls the Police Department they want and Officer to respond right away. Their need is the most important thing to them at the moment. For the call takers and dispatchers it is important to get as much information about the situation before it is routed to the Officer. They are as frustrated as we are when we are sent out on a run with little or no information. Sometimes that is beyond their control. Their minds race with the "what could happens" and the "I hope everything will be all right for my Officer." That is the way they feel about us. They are like parents, brothers and sisters that worry for their family going into harms way.
We all know that each and every run could be the one. It could be the run that ends our shift forever. The most routine run can turn bad very quickly. They know it and so do we. Their job is one of the most demanding and stressful ones that there is.
I know that I speak for my Brother and Sister Officers when I express my heartfelt thanks for the job you do everyday. I am comforted to know that my Brothers and Sisters in communications are there watching over me. Thank you for always being there for us in good times and in bad. You are our Angels on our shoulders. God Bless you all.