What Life as a Traveling Dispatcher Has Taught Me Thus Far

Written by Samantha Hawkins, CMCP

“This is my life now. I live much of it on the road, in between Southwest or Delta flights, and in and out of suitcases and oversized luggage that I hardly ever unpack any longer.”

Written by Danielle Rhodes

“If I could offer one piece of advice to anyone out there, it would be always to be prepared for the impact something could have on you. It doesn’t matter if you responded to a particular type of call many times before; this one could be the one that brings you to your knees.”

Trigger Warning: This blog post discusses sensitive topics, including the death of a child. Reader discretion is advised.

Written by Natalie Hunt

“Back in college, I earned the nickname “Natty Crocker” because I was always cooking up something in the kitchen, and little did I know that many years later, I would be working with food and nutrition as a way to serve and help others.”

Written by Melissa Alterio, M.S., CPE, RPL

“It's time to embrace the pride that comes with our hard-earned accomplishments, acknowledge that we've earned our seats at the table, and encourage others to do the same.”

Written by Julie Lockhart

“As 911 dispatchers, we are accustomed to being the steady voice on the other end of the line - the calm in the midst of chaos, offering comfort and hope. But what happens when that chaos invades our inner world?”

Written by Heather Blaney

“My soothing little ball of pure dopamine is Dispatcher Nugget, or 42-PU, my personal companion and our 911 center’s official Emotional Support Dispatcher. Nugget is a skunk. That’s right, he is a skunk, and his job is imperative to our center in so many ways. “

Written by Valerie Minor, MS, originally published on March 11, 2023 - 911der Women Pulse

“By normalizing conversations about mental health and emotional well-being, it creates an environment where everyone is more likely to seek support when needed and encourage their colleagues to do the same.”

Written by Josephine Rios

“During the Academy, I realized that fear had been holding me back from reaching my full potential. I had always been afraid of public speaking, meeting new people, and the fear of being judged. However, being surrounded by such inspiring women and witnessing their resilience, I felt compelled to step out of my comfort zone. “

Written by Tracy Severson, originally published on August 18, 2020

“This job, this career will change you in ways you never thought possible. You will find a passion about your community and your first responders. When people ask what you do you will be ready for the “what’s your craziest call” answer. “

Written by Wendy L. Bundy, M.S.L.S., M.A., CPRS-T, CPMC-T, CWPS

“When I step into these spaces to share my story, I do it to raise awareness for mental health in this field. A reminder to take care of yourselves first because I forgot how to.”

Written by Erin Sechrist

“If you are also a working mom in similar shoes, know you are not alone. We have to work together for working mothers' rights, for more postpartum anxiety and depression awareness, and for empowerment to find that balance.”

Written by Keisha Bristow

“Attending the 911der Women Academy in Charleston reignited that passion and excitement again. This time, however, the Academy afforded me so much more. Hearing about the career paths of other 911 professionals really left an impact on me and all that I could get out of this career.”

“911der Women helps these women discover the great strength unknown that lies deep inside each of them, while simultaneously promoting emotional vulnerability; it gives these women a voice and empowers them to proudly be their authentic selves, without fear of shame or judgement.”

Written by Emily Smith

“I realized that the person I am is forever, and my hearing aids are just as much a part of me as being a dispatcher is.”

Written by Hannah Sande

“… I knew that I would be going back a different person. The things I learned in this course, from the opportunity I received as a Firework Scholarship recipient, have forever changed who I was as a friend, a telecommunicator, and a wife.”

Written by Andrea King-Smith

“Imposter Syndrome can be a significant barrier to personal and professional growth, but it is a common experience that can be overcome.”

Written by Keely Heyman

“There are more and more of us at the front lines who are standing at the tops of the mountains shouting that we need to do better, we need to have better, and it is starting to work. The key is not to remain silent about the experiences. Speak up when it doesn’t feel right. Walk away when it begins to drain your soul.”