As part of National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, VECC would like to recognize some of the outstanding employees whose dedication and outstanding efforts make the 9-1-1 system work each and every day. We would like to feature some of the people who help our communities by saving lives and protecting property. In addition we would like to help the public gain an increased understanding and appreciation of 9-1-1 – a service most people take for granted.
Bailee Vawdry
9-1-1 Call Taker
What does 9-1-1 mean to you?
EMERGENCY
Why did you choose a career in public safety?
Interesting career
What do you like best about your job?
Being able to help and feel as though I am making a difference
Is there a particular event or call that you are particularly proud of?
An avalanche call I took
If you could convey one message to the public, what would it be?
Call 911 for emergencies only, otherwise call 411.
How long have you worked for 9-1-1/Dispatch?
1 yr 10 mo
Alicia Wassmer
Police Dispatcher
What does 9-1-1 mean to you?
9-1-1 is the dot that connects a group of people needing assistance, to those who have the resources to help.
Why did you choose a career in public safety?
I followed in the footsteps of my mother who was a dispatcher for years with UHP. In 1997 we went to SSL together, and then later merged with VECC. Dispatching is something that has always come naturally to me, and I’ve enjoyed the people I’ve met over the years both within the dispatch ranks and on the other side of the radio. They’re an extended family of sorts.
What do you like best about your job?
My favorite part of dispatching is working police dispatch. Especially on West Valley as I’m most familiar with the channel and feel most capable of doing the job required.
Is there a particular event or call that you are particularly proud of?
Years ago, an officer at SSL was off duty working a part time shift. He was involved in an altercation with a group of people. He only had time to key up for a second, and when he did, I heard a blip of his voice that let me know there was a problem. Back then, I knew SSL so well that I knew most of the officers part time schedules as well. I dispatched units to his location where they found him on the ground being assaulted as they arrived. I feel this is the only time I’ve ever made a significance difference as a dispatcher. The only reason I was able to make that difference, is because I knew the city and voices so well, that there was no question in my mind, even though I didn’t have an address, officer unit number, or any details.
If you could convey one message to the public, what would it be?
I’d like to convey to the public my appreciation that for the most part, people are cooperative, and want to assist with the call process. Also, especially with cell phone being a large portion of the calls we receive, it’s more important than ever for people to know their address.
How long have you worked for 9-1-1/Dispatch?
I’ve been dispatching since June of 1997.
Nick Brown
Dispatch Supervisor
What does 9-1-1 mean to you?
The first line of protection for citizens. We provide life saving instruction and obtain information that will help ensure the safety of responding units and the general public.
Why did you choose a career in public safety?
Ever since I was a child I felt that there are good and bad people in this world. I also wanted to be on the good side and fight for those who can’t defend themselves.
What do you like best about your job?
The feeling that I’m doing my part to ensure the best possible service to the citizens who utilize our services.
Is there a particular event or call that you are particularly proud of?
No. I’m proud every time I’m part of a call that leads to a life saved or a criminal arrested.
If you could convey one message to the public, what would it be?
Think twice before calling 9-1-1 for non-emergencies, a simple action of being too lazy to find a non emergency number can inherently harm some one experiencing a true emergency. And by the way the non emergency number is 801-840-4000
Jonathan Fitisemanu
9-1-1 Call Taker
What does 9-1-1 mean to you?
A group of people dedicated to keeping the public safe and providing immediate emergency assistance without recognition or public reward.
Why did you choose a career in public safety?
I love helping people. I enjoy being a part of something bigger than myself.
What do you like best about your job?
The people I work with is the best part of my job. All people of like minded interests working towards the same cause.
Is there a particular event or call that you are particularly proud of?
West Jordan home invasion case. 3 suspects broke into a house and my female caller was hiding in a closet. When police arrived the 3 suspects hid, 1 hiding in the same closet as my caller, standing shoulder to shoulder with her until police came in and she ran out yelling to the police that the 3rd suspect was hiding right next to her. I was on local and national television for the incident, but I was just doing my job.
If you could convey one message to the public, what would it be?
Know the address to where the emergency is and answer all the dispatchers questions immediately. The quicker we can get our questions answered, the quicker we can get help to you.
How long have you worked for 9-1-1/Dispatch?
I have worked at VECC for 3 years and 6 months.
Rachael Draper
Fire Dispatcher
What does 9-1-1 mean to you?
Literally….life threatening emergencies. I would never call it for anything other than that. I am obviously more educated about it now that I have worked here for several years, but I never realized how uneducated and ignorant the public is to this question.
Why did you choose a career in public safety?
I have always wanted to help people. I truly hoped that I could make a difference and help to save lives.
What do you like best about your job?
My friends at work that get me through day to day. And…I really enjoy hearing a sincere thank you on the other end of the line, knowing that the caller genuinely appreciated the help that we provided on possibly the worst day of their lives. A simple thank you makes me smile and realize that it is all worth it.
Is there a particular event or call that you are particularly proud of?
There have been many times that I remember being proud of what I do here, especailly when you hear that heartfelt thank you. But, the first time that I heard “my baby isn’t breathing” is probably what sticks in my mind the most. We went from the baby being blue in color to breathing when medics arrived. That was a good day.
If you could convey one message to the public, what would it be?
Please use discernment when calling 911. Only call when it is a matter of life, death or fire. Do not waste resourses that someone else could have used for a true emergency. (Honestly, if I could I would sit people down and make them listen to me, educate them and help them to understand).
How long have you worked for 9-1-1/Dispatch?
6 years
Lin Shaffer
Fire Dispatcher/IT Staff
What does 9-1-1 mean to you?
Emergency response system with trained responsible personnel available 24/7
Why did you choose a career in public safety?
Found it to be a career that I seemed to excel in at a young age
What do you like best about your job?
Teamwork in my department and working with our outside agencies
Is there a particular event or call that you are particularly proud of?
Not really .. they all seem like just part of the job
If you could convey one message to the public, what would it be?
Use 911 in a way that it was designed .. for emergency needs and case related issues
How long have you worked for 9-1-1/Dispatch?
16 1/2 yrs Utah .. 8 1/2 yrs in Calif
Leslie Devey
Dispatch Supervisor
What does 9-1-1 mean to you?
9-1-1 is so much more than a “job at a call center.” It is an integral role and a responsibility to help the citizens, officers, firefighters and the communities we serve. We listen to terrible, tragic, and yes even mundane events every day- all day; the calls just keep coming, we never close, we never take a holiday, we are staffed 24-7. We put up with short-tempered, angry and even complacent callers, officers and firefighters, all in the hope that we can and will make a difference in whatever role we are assigned to. It’s not easy; it’s an emotional roller coaster, which each day we strap ourselves into the seat, and willingly hold on and enjoy the ride somehow, someway truly enjoying what we did that day to make a difference in someone’s life.
Why did you choose a career in public safety?
I am not sure that I chose a career in public safety; it seems to have chosen me. I was in a personal family situation that required I earn more, have insurance and benefits so my husband could return to school full time at age 40. So, one night while reading the paper, I came across the ad for employment at VECC. I realized I met the requirements and thought why not? Long story-short, seven years later I am still here riding the roller coaster.
I have no background in police or fire, I did have a strong customer service background and I have enjoyed learning about public safety. I have taken many opportunities to learn more about this industry and have tried to become a more knowledgeable employee.
What do you like best about your job?
I enjoy the variety of calls we receive, even though they are similar, each caller has a unique and interesting situation. I guess you could say-never a dull moment, just waiting for the next big event and shot of adrenaline to happen.
I also enjoy my co-workers, we have a very diverse group that seems to pull together in a way that I have never experienced in any other employment opportunities I have had. We genuinely care about one other and pull together when things go bad, I have seen employees dip into their pockets with money contributions and donate coveted vacation time out of their personal banks to help out co-workers when they have experienced hard ships such as a house fire, the death of a child, a serious life-threatening illness, cancer patients and hard times such as not being able to provide a Christmas for their family.
Is there a particular event or call that you are particularly proud of?
I would like to believe that I have made a difference in the outcome of some really horrible calls however we generally do not get the “rest of the story.” I like to make believe that all went well and that I made a difference someway.
I have been a part of many big events where the teamwork has been exemplary. Just this year on New Year’s Eve, when our center experienced a high volume of calls and priority incidents, I was truly amazed at the work ethic and professionalism showed by all those on shift working that evening. I was proud to be a member of the team.
If you could convey one message to the public, what would it be?
We are here to serve you in a prompt, courteous and professional manner. When a citizen calls for service generally they are not having their best day. The calls are emotionally charged and it is our duty to listen, act promptly, be courteous and send the proper response to the correct location. We may ask the caller a lot of questions but the questions are designed to help responders. “Help us, help you”, by staying on the line, and answering our questions.
How long have you worked for 9-1-1/Dispatch?
My seven year anniversary is May 24. I worked for a call taker for 1 year and then moved to police dispatch. I was recently promoted to a floor supervisor.
