911 Dispatchers Needed To Fill Critical Role In Public Safety

911 dispatchers provide the critical connection between people in need and the agencies best suited to assist them, including the Richland County Sheriff's office, Sidney and Fairview Police Departments, Emergency Medical Services, all the fire departments in Richland County, and the Montana Highway Patrol.

The job is a rewarding one, knowing that you have helped someone in trouble, and assisted the various agencies in their mission of keeping the community safe. Richland County is currently recruiting for at least three dispatchers to fill open positions and make the 24-hour operation work smoothly. Current dispatchers are working extra shifts, often alone. Sheriff John Dynneson said they are doing a great job of filling in but more dispatchers are desperately needed. Ideally, there would be two people per shift so it's not overwhelming during busy times.

Twenty-year-old Cole Wiidanen has been on the job for just over six months and loves it. He initially applied to expand his portfolio, having done manual labor for a couple of years and wanting to try office work. He said he has gone from not really being a people person to really enjoying talking to them, and helping with their problems. "It's awesome to be there, in their worst moments, helping solve their problems and keeping them safe," he said. He added that the law enforcement people he gets to interact with every day are amazing people. "Every day people don't realize how important this is, and how much they care about this area," he said. "Believe it or not, I even enjoy the paperwork!" He is thankful to have had great teachers and is headed off to the Law Enforcement Academy the end of October. "I'm ready for that," he said.

Even though Wiidanen says the staff works together really well and things are running smoothly, he really would like to see more dispatchers and encourages people to apply. "This is working really good for me. I really like it. Give it a try," he said.

The starting pay at $21.13 per hour, is good and the benefits are great. They include a retirement plan, health insurance with options for family coverage, sick leave, $1200 per year HRA, and paid vacations. "It's a really great opportunity for someone who wants to give back to the community. It's a fulfilling career with good pay and benefits," Dynneson said.

Job requirements are simple with a high school diploma and no felony convictions the two major criteria. Individuals must be at least 18 years old and available to work all shifts. Dynneson said they have had some new high school graduates who have done very well. The ability to communicate calmly and clearly under pressure is a definite asset, but that often comes with on-the-job experience. Good computer skills are also beneficial. New dispatchers must attend the Law Enforcement Academy within their first year of employment and are designated Public Safety Officers once the requirements are met.

Dynneson explained that the job can be intimidating at first but once a dispatcher learns the job, they feel satisfied that they have developed skills that not everyone has. He praised the current 911 dispatchers saying that each one has their own personality, great attributes and unique style. "They're all good," he said. "It's a great place to work, with everyone getting along well." He wants people to feel comfortable about applying, saying that it's a very satisfying job. "They are the first person on the scene. Law enforcement can't do the job without them. They are an integral part of the organization."

Dynneson stressed that keeping the 911 call center local is also important, saying so many must rely on multi-jurisdictional call centers. "It's nice to call someone who knows Richland County, its towns and communities. We need the local knowledge," he said.

The Richland County dispatch center has up-to-date equipment. However, Dynneson is working with the state to upgrade to next generation 911 which would provide much more specific location information. Under sheriff Bob Burnison gave an example of the new system saying that next generation 911 would specify the exact apartment a caller is in rather than the current system, which gives the entire building. "Equipment must meet certain requirements to handle next generation," Dynneson stated. "It's a constant process across the state."

To apply for a great career as a 911 dispatcher, contact Sheriff Dynneson or Janna Vojacek between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Justice Center in Sidney.