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Dispatch supervisors and public safety managers urge reclassification of 911 dispatchers as first responders
Summary
Witnesses including an Anchorage dispatch supervisor and Juneau public safety manager told the committee chronic understaffing, long hours and elevated mental‑health risks justify reclassifying emergency dispatchers as first responders for retirement and wellness benefits under HB 234.
Cochair Hall introduced HB 234, a bill sponsored by the cochair's office that would reclassify emergency dispatchers as first responders for retirement and related benefits. "What this bill aims to do is reclassify emergency dispatchers as first responders," the cochair said.
Colette Thibodeaux, emergency dispatch supervisor for Anchorage Airport Police and Fire, described long shifts, chronic short staffing and traumatic calls that have affected dispatchers for decades. "We are 24/7 infinity," Thibodeaux said, recounting calls that have haunted staff and reporting an alarming national trend she said includes multiple dispatcher suicides since January.
Erin Kawara, public safety manager for the city of Juneau and board member of APCO and NENA, testified that dispatchers perform life‑saving work, receive extensive training and face high attrition. Kawara estimated roughly 49 operational public safety answering points (PSAPs) in Alaska with about 320 full‑time dispatchers and said reclassification would improve recruitment and retention by expanding retirement and wellness benefits.
Committee members asked whether reclassification would shorten retirement timelines and what other supports the legislature might provide; Kawara said both earlier retirement tiers and wellness resources would help retain staff. The committee set HB 234 aside for future consideration.
