911 Dispatch Day in the Life and Pension Legislation

A day in the Life of Jeremy Hanson, a 911 Dispatcher, Council 65 Executive Board Trustee, and Local 639 President

Jeremy, a 911 dispatcher let us join him to catch a glimpse of the vital work he does every day in rural Minnesota. Dispatchers are master multitaskers. It was fascinating to watch him hear and comprehend every conversation within earshot.  He juggled multiple radio channels and quickly assessed his 5+ computer monitors to relay critical information to law enforcement, fire, and medical personnel in the field.  He remained calm and compassionate when citizens called with their emergencies. 

We learned about "what3words" an excellent resource to help first responders locate you in an emergency.
 

Answering the first emergency call for help takes a toll on dispatchers.  Jeremy and his co-workers experience constant pressure to serve those in crisis.  The second-hand trauma often leads to anxiety, burnout, depression, insomnia, and PTSD. In high-pressure jobs like this, your union can be a way to make changes to protect workers, not only on the job, but through legislation as well. 

Jeremy has been advocating with AFSCME for law changes to protect dispatchers. Currently, there is legislation in the works, recommended by the Probation Officers and 911 Telecommunicators Pension Plans Work Group, which would allow these workers a retirement age of 60, reduced from the current 66, with no penalty. Jeremy and his co-workers know this bill will help these dedicated public service workers retire with dignity after a career of serving their communities.