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Washington County urges residents to apply for dispatcher roles during National Telecommunications Week
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Summary
County Executive Josh Schoeman and public-safety officials highlighted dispatchers’ role in a recent home-invasion response, outlined hiring needs and qualifications, and urged residents to apply to staff the county’s two dispatch centers.
Washington County Executive Josh Schoeman on Wednesday marked National Telecommunications Week by urging residents to apply for dispatcher positions and praising the county’s 911 staff as an essential first link to public safety.
"They do some incredible work and work long hours...keeping you safe," Schoeman said, noting dispatchers operate around the clock and handle emotionally difficult calls. He said the county runs only two dispatch centers and provides dispatch services for 19 of the county’s 20 municipalities.
Sheriff Jared Schultheis recounted a February home-invasion case to illustrate dispatchers’ role. He described a 60-year-old woman who called 911 as an intruder forced entry; the woman remained online with dispatch while deputies responded and the suspect later was arrested. "As deputies were responding, the dispatcher was already there," Schultheis said. "Dispatch is the first link to public safety."
Schoeman used the segment to press the staffing need. "We need more people," he said, and invited viewers to apply through the county website.
Lieutenant Blair summarized hiring qualifications and the recruitment process, saying candidates must be at least 18 years old and that no college degree is required. "We look for good qualified candidates who excel in communication skills, both written and verbal," Blair said, adding that the county’s benefits package includes retirement, health and dental insurance. Blair encouraged interested applicants to request a sit-in or a ride-along in dispatch as part of the application process.
The county did not announce a class start date, salary range, or the number of positions available during the segment. Schoeman closed by thanking dispatchers across Washington County and Wisconsin "for the incredibly important work you do," and signaled the county would continue recruiting.
The WASHCO Weekly segment focused on recruitment and recognition; no formal actions or vote outcomes were reported.
