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ND: What are your job title and areas of responsibility?

SWEAZY: Dispatch Supervisor, Assistant TAC Officer, LASO Officer

ND: How did you become a dispatcher?

SWEAZY: I kind of unofficially wanted to become a 911 dispatcher. I remember watching the TBS show, “Emergency 911” with Willliam Shatner back in the 90s and it hit me one day in 2021 while watching reruns of “House MD.” The trauma centers at the hospitals have to deal with the caller after they have calmed down enough to get them the help they need. Who is there to help them calm down and get them the help they require? Boy, did I find out! I have worked as a bus boy, actor, server, lifestyle consultant, life coach, fitness coach, hair stylist, and truck driver but first response dispatcher is a whole new world that Jasmine and Aladdin would not willingly fly over.

ND: What do you enjoy most about your responsibilities as a dispatcher?

SWEAZY: I really enjoy getting to know how the outcome of a call actually went. We are there when it starts with a phone call but after they hang up, we are sometimes left needing closure. I think it helps us to feel safe knowing others are safe as well, if that makes sense.

ND: What are the most challenging aspects of your job?

SWEAZY: The pressures of this job can really be taxing to a person if you can’t handle a stressful environment, intense emotional conversations, and a fast paced dichotomy of first responders. You definitely need to decompress after a grueling, 12 hour shift of calls for service, which is sometimes every shift. I find meditation and mindfulness really helps me to ground myself and let go of the stress of the day’s shift.

ND: What skills are important for the work you do?

SWEAZY: Multitasking is required to be able to get your work tasks done as soon as possible. Active listening and recall memory are important while we take callers’ information and need to get optimal information and understanding of each call and the caller’s needs.

ND: What do you wish more people knew about dispatchers and the role you play in emergency response?

SWEAZY: I wish people would  stop using 911 thinking it’s a directory service or cell phone customer service. The

The number for your cellphone customer service is 611. And in the same sense, don’t be afraid to call 911 in the event of an emergency. Try to remember we are people who love helping people and we will try our best to direct you to the help you require.

ND: What would you say to someone else considering this career path?

SWEAZY: If you are interested because you saw them dispatching on a tv show or movie thinking that it is easy, it is. But you must give yourself time and patience to gain dexterity and skills of taking calls for service. It will not happen overnight for some. It took me a couple of months to finally get to where I felt I was doing a good job. As soon as you do though, Buckle up, buttercup. You’re in for a bumpy ride.

ND: What do you like to do when you’re not working? Do you have a hobby or activity people would be surprised to learn about ?

SWEAZY: I tend to stay at home and take care of my dogs, cats, plants, and hummingbirds. I’m an avid reader, a music geek and movie critic. I meditate and practice yoga, bojitsu, and contemporary dance as cardio.

ND: Is there anything else you’d like to share with us and our readers?

SWEAZY: If you are interested in joining our time and helping people one call at a time, please visit our ad on Indeed.com under “Adams County E911 Dispacher” and apply within. Apply today!