911 Dispatching

Introduction

My journey with the Division of Enhanced 911 began as a Call Taker, where I was responsible for answering emergency calls and providing critical information to first responders. I quickly advanced to the role of Police Dispatcher, coordinating response efforts and managing high-pressure situations. The majority of my career at 911 was spent as a Fire Dispatcher, where I fostered a strong relationship with the fire department and played a pivotal role in dispatching fire crews and emergency responders. In addition to my dispatching duties, I contributed to improving processes and ensuring optimal communication across multiple departments. My experience in this role was foundational in developing my leadership, training, and crisis management skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Managed emergency call-taking, dispatching, and interagency coordination for Lexington Police and Lexington Fire

• AHA CPR Instructor

• Fostered strong working relationships with Lexington Fire Department to enhance coordination and improve emergency response efficiency.

Skills Developed

• Emergency Communication: Demonstrated quick and effective decision-making while managing high-pressure emergency calls, ensuring the appropriate resources were dispatched.

• Multitasking & Prioritization: Managed multiple tasks simultaneously, including call taking, dispatching, and coordinating response teams during emergency situations.

• Crisis Management: Maintained composure and professionalism while handling high-stress situations, providing critical support to first responders and citizens.

• Training & Mentoring: Trained new hires in protocols, best practices, and emergency communication techniques, fostering the next generation of dispatchers.

• Interdepartmental Collaboration: Worked closely with police, fire, and EMS teams, ensuring accurate and timely coordination during incidents.

• Process Optimization: Contributed to streamlining communication workflows, improving response times and enhancing overall team efficiency.

• Fire Department Operations Knowledge: Gained specialized knowledge in fire department operations, leading to promotion to Fire Dispatcher and overseeing fire-related emergency calls.

• Technology Utilization: Utilized 911 dispatching software and technology to facilitate accurate call-taking, information dissemination, and resource allocation.

• Conflict Resolution: Effectively managed difficult conversations with callers, ensuring clear communication and calming individuals during stressful or traumatic events.

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Quickly assessed emergency situations, determining the best course of action to protect lives and property.

Let's Connect

Want to discuss improving 911 operations? Let’s talk about how my experience in dispatch and teamwork can benefit your team.

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