Norma Torres: “For 17\1/2\ years, I worked as a 911 dispatcher. My average day consisted of handling incidents, such as coordinating…”

“For 17\1/2\ years, I worked as a 911 dispatcher. My average day consisted of handling incidents, such as coordinating police vehicle and foot pursuits, talking to suicide callers, negotiating with barricaded suspects, and talking to their victims. One call that has stayed with me and threw me into a political world that I never wanted to be a part of, I answered a call from a little girl who was murdered at the hands of her uncle. I was her only witness. I heard her scream. I heard her head being bashed against the wall. I heard the five shots that ultimately took her life. Her last words: ``Uncle, please don't kill me. It's not my fault.'' This work requires a lot of training and tough attitude to deal with critical emergencies. Unfortunately, the Federal Government currently classifies 911 dispatchers as clerical workers--secretaries. My amendment would finally recognize the critical work they do by reclassifying them as protective service occupations. This provision costs nothing, zero, but it would bring 911 professionals, civilian workers--primarily single moms--the dignity that they deserve. Mr. Chairman, I urge its passage.”