Job #2

I got back from my Christmas vacation Saturday evening, and my first day of work as a dispatcher was that Monday. The drive hasn't been too bad (25-30 min), but it is very pretty in the mornings driving through the mountains as the sun comes up. As I walked in to the building where all of the fun happens, I was trying to mentally prepare what would happen in the chaotic communications center they call dispatch. Instead of chaos, I was greeting with a cake and the sheriff to get sworn in for service (and I got a certificate too). My first two days were to observe everything that went on with some explanations. It is hard to explain everything, but a dispatcher has a radio headset to page all of the different agencies, four computer screens, a non emergency/administrative phone, a 911 phone, and a crimestoppers line. We can also be called to do pat-downs of inmates, prepare warrants and send out BOLO's. It all feels overwhelming at first, but thankfully is starting to all come together now in my third week.

I was able to do ride alongs with the EMS and a fire department. Unfortunately, no calls came in for me to watch so we all just hung out for the day and told fun stories of stuff they have done. Last night I took a CPR class for adults, children and infants so I am certified to do that as well. Always a good thing to know anyway. This week I have begun answering 911 phone calls in addition the the non emergency/administrative lines I began to answer last week. It has not been very busy the past few nights, of which I am happy, but sometimes it is so slow I wonder if everyone is finally getting along.

Perhaps the biggest change to come out of this is that another position with the sheriff's office is opening up: Victim's Advocate. There is only one for the county and they are called to a scene for things like assaults, death and any situation where a victim and/or their family needs assistance. My first day on the job, I learned that this position may be opening up and I thought how interesting it was that I had talked with my mom about how I eventually wanted to work more with families on scene than in dispatch. It eventually got out that I might be interested in it, probably from my trainer. Two days ago, my supervisor called me while at work and told me that I should apply for it if I want it and to call the under sheriff the next day. I did and he told me to call the current victim's advocate, but that they could probably make it happen. I left the VA a message of my interest, and she called me later to set up a meeting for Thursday to learn more. What was more interesting though, is that she said if I want it the position is mine. They won't even post it for other interviews.

I don't know how the transition will work from one position to the other, as I am only in week 3 of 20 for training as a dispatcher. They may want me to start training as a VA now, or wait until a closer date to when the current VA moves. If so, what are my choices for income? I doubt that they will want to keep training me as a dispatcher if they know I am leaving and can start training the next person who was in line behind me for the job. It is just amazing though how it is all working out for something that I want. And the main reason I can get the VA job so easily is because I am already employed for the county and have experience/skills for the job. It will be nice to work days as a VA (except for when I get called out), as I have been working 5p-3a shifts this month. I have also been babysitting some days as well, causing for no sleep until 8am. Just pray that this new possible job is one that I want and the transition is smooth!