Yuba City Police Department Communications Division Dispatcher Lisa Jawanda takes a call. Photo courtesy of Yuba City Police Department

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - 911, what's your emergency?

The answer to that question can only be handled by trained and tough emergency notification dispatchers, and Yuba City Police Department Commander Jim Runyen will tell you the same. 

"I can speak for most of us officers; we couldn't do that job, so we appreciate everything they do, and again, it is the hardest job in the building, in my opinion," Runyen said of the all-female team of Public Safety Dispatchers honored by elected officials April 16 with a proclamation for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

"At least we get to see people in person, but they have to try and handle it over the phone, which is incredibly difficult," Runyen said.

Vice Mayor Dave Shaw and the Yuba City council presented the five dispatchers with the proclamation, reading that the communications division has "a vital role for human life and property in our community.

"They are responsible for responding to telephone calls from the public for police, fire, and emergency, and medical assistance and for dispatching said assistance to help save the lives and secure the property of all of our citizens," Shaw read. "Yuba City, Public Safety Dispatchers, endure long shifts while handling life and death emergencies, all the while setting very high standards in the performance of their duties in a manner that has earned the communications unit recognition by the California 911 Commission."

Shaw shared his gratitude beyond the proclamation, telling the team they "have a job that is inconceivable" under the high stress it demands.  

"You are not out on the streets, but you guys are in the background keeping all of these men and women safe," Shaw said, pointing to the audience. And knowing what is going on is an invaluable asset."

Commander Runyen said public safety dispatchers are a hard-to-recruit position, but it is a no-brainer for the team. Public Safety Dispatcher III Carrie Mendoza noted that more than two decades ago when searching for a job that could lead to a career, a friend recommended the position to me, "who told me how amazing dispatching was."

"Twenty-three years later, here I am," Mendoza said, adding that what she most enjoys about the position is being on the other end of the line and helping the surrounding community where she grew up. 

Public Safety Dispatcher III Hailey Baker always knew she wanted a position in law enforcement. As the "first line of communication for members of the community," Baker said. "Whether they're calling for an emergency, non-emergency, or just to talk to someone, we are the first ones to answer the phone and direct them to the best resource."

"We must be efficient and quick-acting so that someone can get the help they need as quickly as possible," Baker said. 

Public Safety Dispatcher III Amelia Boom said, "People call us in their worst moments."

"We are that calm on the line that helps them through," Boom said. "Be it a medical call, a disturbance, or anything in between, they will remember that person who helped them when times were hard."

Like Commander Runyen, Communications Supervisor Deidra Geddis said the department has been short-staffed for several years. 

"Our dispatchers have worked 1000 hours of overtime, canceled plans, and given up time with their families to ensure the calls get answered," Geddis said. "They have true servant hearts. They are quick, precise, sharp, and multitasking queens!"

One of those queens is Public Safety Dispatcher II Stephanie Salgado, who said the team strives and dedication to keep all citizens protected. 

“We are very big on our service and making sure everyone in the community is taken care of,” Salgado said. “If we can’t directly help them, we may also have connections to resources that can.”

After assisting in life saving matters, Salgado said the next reward of dispatching is the local connections. And how she has “gotten to know so many new people in the community that I would not have had the chance to do without being in this position.”

The Communications Division is seeking public safety dispatchers. Geddis encourages interested applicants to attend two upcoming Dispatch Seminars: May 8 at 6 p.m. and May 11 at noon. 

"This is where citizens interested in becoming dispatchers can come and learn about what we do, ask questions, and see our dispatch facility," Geddis said.

 Yuba City Police Department officers and Communications Divisions dispatchers stand with elected officials for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Photo by Angela Underwood