During the City Council meeting on September 8, 2025, a dispatch supervisor from Matcom highlighted the critical role of the dispatch center in Wasilla and the challenges it faces. The supervisor, who has been with Matcom since December 2010, emphasized the center's status as the largest in the state, handling one of the highest call volumes.
The supervisor expressed strong support for the department and its contract, noting significant growth over the years. However, they raised concerns about ongoing staffing issues, which are not due to a lack of effort in recruitment. The demanding nature of the job, which requires multitasking and the ability to manage high-pressure situations—such as handling up to 90 calls an hour—makes it difficult to retain new recruits.
The supervisor's insights underscored the importance of the dispatch center's work, which serves as a vital link between callers and first responders. As the community continues to grow, addressing staffing challenges will be essential to ensure that the dispatch center can effectively support public safety and emergency response efforts. The council's acknowledgment of these issues may lead to future discussions on improving recruitment and retention strategies within the department.