Sheriff’s Emergency Services Dispatchers Kendra Lozano and Gina Thompkins talked about the dispatcher positions that are available and what texting 9-1-1 means. April 9 to 16 is designated as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week April is also National Deaf History Month (text to 9-1-1) Public Safety Dispatch Job Fair Friday, April 21 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sheriff's Crime Lab Building 5590 Overland Avenue, San Diego (Kearny Mesa) WWW.JOINSDSHERIFF.NET What does a dispatcher do? -Sheriff's Emergency Services Dispatchers work around the clock to answer your 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls. -We are the vital link between deputies, officers, firefighters and paramedics to get you the help you need. We process an average of about 2,000 calls per day and our goal is to answer your call within 15 seconds or less. -We pride ourselves in providing the highest level of customer service with respect, compassion and professionalism –understanding that you're likely calling us during the worst day of your life. -It's a fulfilling and rewarding career to be able to go to work every day knowing I was able to help someone. It's also very exciting because it is different every day. What exactly do you need from us if we ever have to call you during an emergency? Dispatcher: Location is really important in case the call is disconnected. -Tell us exactly where you are. Provide an address, landmark, cross street or building floor. -Describe your emergency. Do you need a deputy, fire or ambulance response? Are you or someone else hurt? -It might be challenging but take a few breaths and remain calm. The calmer you are the clearer we can get the information from you. -Listen carefully to our instructions and stay on the line until we tell you to hang up. If you dialed 9-1-1 by mistake, it is important you stay on the line and tell us there is no emergency. April is also National Deaf History Month to highlight equal access for our deaf community. Tell us about Text to 9-1-1. Dispatcher: Yes. Text to 9-1-1 is available in San Diego County. -If you are deaf, hard of hearing, experiencing hearing loss or have difficulty speaking. -This is also helpful in situations when you really need to be quiet such as an active shooter scenario, there's an intruder in your home or domestic violence. -Simply enter the numbers 911 in the To field of a new text message. Give the location and nature of your emergency. Send the text message. Respond to our questions and follow our instructions. -Our Communication Center is also able to receive emergency calls from Teletype or TTY devices which is used by people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have difficulty speaking. -We can also offer interpreters if you speak a different language. Talk about the recruiting fair next week. Dispatcher: The Sheriff's Department is hiring Emergency Services Dispatchers. -No experience is necessary. We will provide all the training you need. -We offer competitive pay, as well as medical, dental, optical and retirement benefits. -We're looking for people who can multi-task, have great communication skills and can remain calm during tense situations. -If you have questions about the application process, you can meet Sheriff's Emergency Services Dispatchers tomorrow at a job fair. -We will be at the Sheriff's Crime Lab Building of the County Operations Center in Kearny Mesa from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. -You can have all your questions answered about the tests, training, background process, pay and benefits. -Again the job fair is on Friday, April 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Sheriff's Crime Lab Building in Kearny Mesa. You can get all the information at sdsheirff.gov. We hope to see you there. -Imagine a job where every time you come to work, you become the lifeline for people when they need help the most. Honor your calling and make a difference in our communities. -If you can't make it to the event, you can always apply online at joinsdsheriff.net.