Tulsa 911 dispatchers explain why they do the job

TULSA, Okla. — They’re the first voice you hear in any emergency and the people who send help your way and this week, it’s all about them as part of National Telecommunicators Week.

Three Tulsa 911 dispatchers with hearts to help people.

“You’re talking to people on their worst day of their life so it’s not going to be easy for them or you,” said dispatcher Savannah Casey

For two years, that’s what Savannah Casey has been doing. She says it’s stressful, you’ve got to pack patience, but it’s her calling. It’s her way of serving the community and helping save lives.

“We had an individual who had a knife to his throat, and I was able to talk him down and get him some help,” said Casey. She says she’s always wanted to be a cop, and this was a good way to get her foot in the door.

>>>MORE: Jenks Police Department hire dispatchers due to population growth.

We’re taught as kids to dial 911 when something bad happens, when someone’s hurt, and when you need police, fire, or a medic. Not only are they there for the life-threatening emergencies, but they’re also the sounding, calm voice on the other end of the line when your day is at its worst.

“They got their car stolen it may not be life threatening at the time but it’s an emergency to them, so I try to be compassionate to everything,” said Timothy Giles.

Timothy Giles has been at this job for three decades. It was a job he didn’t know he needed.

“When I applied, I didn’t know what the job was, I just saw the job title. But when I learned what it was I knew I wanted to help people,” said Giles.

On top of getting us help fast, they’re also protecting those in uniform.

>>>MORE: Tulsa 911 dispatchers receive a 10% raise.

“To be a good dispatcher it’s in our title communication,” said Todd Sanders.

As an assistant director over the Tulsa 911 team, Todd Sanders wants every dispatcher to know one thing.

“Me personally, I want all the dispatchers to know they do an important job,” said Sanders.

Tulsa 911 has its hands full. They also dispatch for other areas like Catoosa, Berryhill, Sperry, Turley, Rolling Hills, Oak Grove, and Fair Oaks.

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