Findlay City Council on Sept. 16 adopted Resolution 25‑20‑25 formally recognizing 911 telecommunicators in Findlay as first responders and asking the Ohio General Assembly to reclassify the profession statewide. The resolution also directs copies be sent to the city’s state representative and the Ohio 9‑1‑1 program office.

The resolution notes dispatchers regularly guide callers through life‑threatening emergencies, instruct callers on CPR and childbirth, and coordinate police, fire and EMS responses. Rob Martin read a statement from dispatcher Doreen Rausch describing the job’s demands: “Our role as dispatchers include a multiple of skills ... We are true first responders,” he said, attributing the text to Rausch.

Council members emphasized the resolution is symbolic and will not change local job titles or pay. The council’s discussion clarified that dispatchers in Findlay will retain their local job classification and title—emergency medical dispatchers—but reclassification at the state level could make them eligible for additional resources such as specialized training, mental‑health support, and different state programs. Council members and staff noted the city already provides some support through employee assistance programs and critical incident stress teams.

Councilman Jeremy Russell asked whether reclassification would affect retirement or pension benefits; staff said that potential changes to pension eligibility would be determined at the state level if reclassification proceeds and would not automatically alter local retirement arrangements. Council members also noted the city has roughly 10 telecommunicators on staff, an approximate figure cited by presenters.

Councilman Webster moved to approve the resolution; Councilman Greeno seconded. The council voted and the resolution was adopted unanimously.

The resolution states it takes effect at the earliest date allowed by law and asks that copies be forwarded to the Ohio General Assembly and the Ohio 9‑1‑1 program office to support further legislative consideration.