BRYAN, Texas — Brazos County is opening their hiring pool for 911 dispatchers. Those who excel at multitasking are encouraged to apply, because it is far more than just answering phone calls.
“We like to think of ourselves as the first on scene and the first first-responders,” said Halley Challis, telecommunicator specialist, team leader and trainer, social media coordinator for Brazos County.
Halley has been a dispatcher for Brazos County for 12 years, and it was her roommate who was already working with 911 that convinced her to join the ranks.
“It’s fast paced. It’s different everyday and you can help others in doing it,” said Challis.
But, the application process isn't easy. It takes about two to four months, starting with a preliminary application, various multitasking tests, a preliminary interview, a lengthy personal history statement, and if you get through all that, you have a board interview with the executive director, supervisors, and other dispatchers.
After you're hired, you are cross-trained on every position and work 12-hour shifts, working 200 to 400 events daily.
“It’s always a possibility you're gonna get that call of a major crisis. When you answer those calls you're kinda in the middle of whats going on at that time,” said Challis.
Although stressful, Halley and her coworkers take pride in their job and the work they put in to help others.
“You do have to be prepared emotionally to take those hard calls...But it is a great job that’s fast paced and you’re always there helping people.”
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