Did you know that communications are classified as clerical staff? Yet we offer services of text to 911, video to 911, we can text in over 70 different languages, give emergency medical instructions, handle every single channel, many out west have one person working at a time handling it all. We do so much and yet we aren’t recognized! Please help us in the reclassification.The 9-1-1 dispatchers in our local communities are the FIRST first responders. On any given day, they may provide emergency medical instructions, reassure people in crisis, and coordinate the dispatch and safe arrival of police, fire, and EMS personnel.

However, the U.S. Government classifies 9-1-1 as an "Office and Administrative Support Occupation," alongside office clerks and taxi dispatchers. This is an outdated, misinformed view of the work performed by 9-1-1 professionals, and it must be updated.

Click on the link and tell your Members of Congress to reclassify 9-1-1 telecommunicators under the "Protective Service" category alongside their colleagues in the public safety community.

➡️ nena.quorum.us/campaign/911SAVES/
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#911Saves #ThankYou911 #AnsweringtheCall #PublicSafety ... See MoreSee Less

Lastly, it’s me! My name is Krista Amaro, for those who don’t know me. I am the Office Manager/Dispatch Supervisor for Kiowa County. I’m going on my 13th year working here. I celebrated my 19th year as a telecommunicator in February this year. I am on the KS APCO and NENA boards. I represent PSAP’s under 75,000 on the KS 911 Coordinating Council board, I was fortunate enough to attend 911 Goes to Washington and was the state captain for Kansas. I love attending conferences and trainings to better our center for our people. Our 911 center can video to 911, text to 911, we can even text in over 70 different languages. There are one of us on at a time. That means one person making it all happen when there’s an accident, medical emergency, and so much more. We have a new recording system that transcribes the calls for us and so much more technology. I wouldn’t be who I am without all these other ladies that make up our team. We also need to give a shout out to our Sheriff Kendal Lothman. Without his support, we wouldn’t have the opportunities we do. When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family. Thank you Kiowa County for giving me the opportunity to do what I love every day. 🖤💛 ... See MoreSee Less

We’re coming near the end of the week and we want to thank everyone who’s helped us celebrate. Our next lady up is Sarah McQueen. Sarah just celebrated her second year with us. Sarah is quiet but always willing to jump in and cover (as long as it’s nights, she loves working night shifts!). Sarah was nominated for Telecommunicator of the year last year and has taken several high priority calls in the last two years. When she’s not busy working, she enjoys spending time with her family. We appreciate all you do, Sarah!🖤💛 ... See MoreSee Less

Next, we have Megan Sparks. Megan is going on her second year with us. Before joining our crew, she worked in the healthcare system. She has a big heart and always willing to jump in and cover shifts when needed. When she’s not working, she enjoys times with her dogs, grandkids, kids, and husband. Thank you Megan for going above and beyond. 🖤💛 ... See MoreSee Less