Berrien County 911 staff describe work, urge others to join dispatch

Three employees of Berrien County 911 described why they work in dispatch and encouraged others to join the county’s emergency communications team.

In a series of brief remarks captured in the meeting transcript, Bobbie, a dispatch employee at Berrien County 911, said, “I love my job because I love helping people because I love being in the space where I'm needed.” Tony, a dispatch supervisor, said he has worked in dispatch for 20 years and wants “to ensure that the public gets the help they need” while also making “sure that our responders get home safely every day.” Amy, a call taker, said the position gives her “a sense of purpose” and that she helps people daily.

The speakers emphasized that dispatch work is both emotionally rewarding and technically demanding. Participants cited multitasking and attention to detail as core skills: “The skill you need to do this job well is be able to multitask,” one employee said, and another described the role as suited to people who are “very thorough and very detail oriented.”

Each speaker noted their tenure or experience: Bobbie said she has worked at Berrien County Dispatch for 14 years; Tony said he has 20 years of service; Amy said she has worked at the center for two years. All three closed with direct appeals to potential applicants: “Come join our team,” “Come sit next to me at Berrien County 911,” and “Come help Berrien County be a better and a safer place to live. Join our team.”

The transcript does not record any formal board action, hiring decision, budget allocation, or timeline for recruitment. It records only the employees’ statements and encouragements to consider careers in emergency communications.