computer system. 20 years ago, when it was created it was probably the best out there. But with todays
technology it is antique and still 5 months later, attempts are being made to work out the bugs and figure out why there are so many errors and mistakes. Why screens are deleting callers information, why does it not automatically run 1028 1029's (it did the first 3 days) and why units histories are not including all the calls. That's just the beginning.
It is very frustrating and we ask ourselves, was the raise worth the stress we as dispatchers take to make sure safety comes first. The system is far from safe and reliable.
We have always given 110% and expected to work many hours over that of a regular full-time employee. We are expected to miss momumental events that occur within our family circle and holidays are far and few between that we actually partake with our families.
During the last year we have lost many employees due to our schedules, the stress and most importantly our low wage.
We have continued to make 911 run like a well oiled machine, and up to this point have been blessed that not only the 1000 law enforcement officers have went home to their families, but each and every emergency call we have taken has been handled to the best of our abilites.
The dedicated Communications Officers that remain at our facility are true experienced dispatchers. We do the job because, it is in our hearts and in our blood. Most of the time it is exciting and fulfilling. When the adrenaline rushes through our bodies it is a high that can not be explained.
The time has come to take a stand and unite together to get our county administrators to take note and wake up.
We will no longer be used and will not stand anymore unfilled promises of forhtcoming raises. Stop putting us off and pay us for our profesionalism and our dedication to the citizens and officers of St Lucie county. How many lives will be risked before something is done to filled the 12 vacant positions. Our work load is heavy and we are not willing any longer to take the chances of making mistakes because of longer work hours and low pay. Each day we plug into the radio or answer the phone, we are chancing the probability of making a mistake because we are "worn out" and lacking sleep from the mandatory overtime put on us.
We are not speaking out because other agencies are being paid well above our pay, we are speaking out because we want to be paid for the job we do. We are paid below many secretaries salaries who have less stress and do not have life or death situations in their hand every minute. Pay us what we are worth.
WE HAVE EARNED THE RESPECT OF THE CITIZENS, WE HAVE EARNED THE RESPECT OF THE MEN AND WOMEN WE DISPATCH. ST LUCIE COUNTY
COMMISIONERS, SHOW US YOUR
RESPECT. WE HAVE MORE THAN
EARNED IT.
THANK YOU
THE DALY'S
But theres one of me and more of you.
I work so hard to help you all,
I try to explain each and every call.
I have so many things to do at one time,
And so much depends on decisions of mine.
I have to be fast and very alert,
In a split second time, you could get hurt.
I might sound disturbed or I may sound mean,
It's just my heart racing when you get on the scene.
I try to get the facts, I try to be clear.
You think I don't care, but its just the fear
For I can't see and I don't know
I'm in here and all alone.
Your life I feel is in my hands
A job to me, not many could stand
I start each shift with a prayer I say
that all goes well throughout the day
A citizens sorrow, I deal with the pain,
Smile all the while for you to get the fame
It would be nice and make my day too
If you once in a while, you said thank you !!!
Author Unknown
