Monday, December 28, 2009

Christmas can be so damn difficult

Not many people think about the stresses and anxieties 9-1-1 call takers face and the tragedies they listen to. I've met hundreds perhaps thousands of telecommunicators and believe me, they do not have it easy. I believe they go through their own form of post traumatic stress. I've listened to many calls now where the outcomes have been tragic. Yet, these call takers have to listen to it and sometimes never know what happened to the person on the other end. I couldn't do it. Yes, I believe there are some out there that are only in it for the paycheck but the majority are compassionate, diligent and dedicated.

Anyhow, I do not know this young man's story. But do, please, keep his family in your prayers and send condolences if possible.


Audrain County (MO) E-911 Joint Communications lost a dispatcher to suicide on Christmas Eve. The 23 year old dispatcher left behind a 1 year old son, family, friends, and co-workers. All of the Joint Communications staff and public safety officials in Audrain County are mourning the loss, especially the dispatchers that handled the frantic 911 call and those who responded to the scene after his
body was discovered. Prayers and support are appreciated. Anyone wishing to send condolences can direct them to the PSAP. Condolences for the family will be passed on to the family.
--
Daniel G. Barnett
Assistant 911 Director
Audrain County E-911
1854 East Liberty Street
PO Box 415
Mexico, MO 65265