Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, so few people know what it is like to be an emergency dispatcher and don't truly understand how crucial our role is. They don't get that without us. They don't get that without you. First responders wouldn't be able to do their jobs without someone's answering that 911 call. Back when I served in the California State Assembly, the State budget crisis meant that 911 dispatchers were furloughed because they weren't exempt as public safety professionals. Hundreds of calls went unanswered. Who knows how many lives were put at risk? I spent months badgering Governor Schwarzenegger until he realized the catastrophic effect the policy was having on our State. God forbid there had been an event like San Bernardino during that time and calls couldn't get through or first responders didn't know where to go. Sadly, too many people think of dispatchers as a little more than glorified receptionists. This means that they don't often get the resources, the training, and the support they need and deserve in order to do their jobs. Dispatchers are the first points of contact in the event of an emergency, and they are the sole link between those in trouble and the personnel who can help them. Better training and more support would go a long way toward improving service and increasing staff retention.…”