ECB Monthly February 2022

FEBRUARY 2022

ECB MONTHLY serving the city of memphis since 1997

In 2021, I answered 3,239 emergency calls.

I AM 9-1-1 Police Radio Dispatcher Karen Ollie

Official Publication of the MPD Emergency Communications Bureau

MEMPHIS POLICE DEPARTMENT

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS BUREAU

ABOUT US We are one of the busiest 9-1-1 centers in the country.

We receive over 630,000 9-1-1 calls and more than 500,000 non-emergency calls each year.

ECB Monthly Mission This front-line led publication seeks to

The MPD Emergency Communications Bureau

inspire and motivate ECB telecommunicators by highlighting employee accomplishments.

(ECB) is the primary Public Safety Answering Point

The selected stories and content are

(PSAP) for the City of

shared with the intent to disseminate

Memphis; and the only provider of Law Enforcement

useful information about the Bureau, Memphis Police Department and the 9-1-1 industry as a whole.

dispatch services for the Memphis Police Department.

Furthermore, we aspire to increase transparency and communication

We consistently meet the national standard by answering 95.4% of our 9-1-1 calls in less than 20 seconds.

michael spencer emergency communications administrator cerelyn davis chief of police, memphis police department

between management and the floor; and improve overall employee morale.

Valentine's Day Features

2022

Terron & Gwen Conner page 12 Charles & Sonya Ross page 22 Markus & Melanie Stephens page 26

IN THIS ISSUE

Employee of the Month Nov. 2021 Melinda Johnson page 6 Dec. 2021 Ina Phelps page 16

Ridgeway Station Grieves

Health & Wellness page 39 Struttin' After Work

Detective Markus Stephens of Ridgeway GIB explains how officers are coping with loss.

ECB Monthly Team: Chief Administrator Mike Spencer Editor-in-Chief Deranecque Rogers / Editor Erica May Contributor Sam Stamper /Contributor Linda Hollingsworth /Contributor Tiffany Whitaker

FEBRUARY 2022 TRAINING, GOLD PATH, RECRUITING & RETENTION Hello Team, This will be for current and new We are already in the second month of

CTO’s. Your Training Manager and

2022. The holiday season is behind us

Supervisor will be coming around to

and it seems like it was 6 Months ago.

talk to those of you that we think will

Time passes differently during the

be a good fit for the program. If you are

pandemic, or maybe I am just getting

interested, please reach out to

old. That last wave of COVID was

Manager Lovejoy or Supervisor King.

rough and I hope that everyone

Training is not about getting 10% extra

affected has recovered as quickly as it

pay. We are looking for people that are

came on. This is my first article of the

patient, respectful, empathetic, and

year, so I want to talk about goals that

dependable to join the training team.

I have for myself and the Bureau.

However, I recognize the mental toll it takes on trainers and that is why we

We continue to hire, and I will once

are raising the incentive. We want you

again ask/beg for your participation.

to feel honored to have the opportunity

We are negotiating a larger training

to shape a new co-worker. You will get

incentive for current and prospective

to instill the work ethic and

CTO’s. We are working on referral

professionalism that defines one of the

bonuses, retention bonuses and other

most important jobs performed by any

incentives. I am asking for one last big

City of Memphis employee.

push to get us staffed.

Think back past the stress and We hired 30 new PRDT’s in January.

challenges of being a new Dispatcher.

They are in the classroom now, but we

Find the best memories you had during

need your help to get them trained

your training and think about the

when they hit the floor. We are going

opportunity to be that fond memory for

to increase the out of rank training pay

the next generation of Memphis police

to 10% to help encourage you to get

radio dispatchers. All of you can do it.

involved with training.

Training makes you better at your job and it strengthens our Bureau.

PAGE 4

FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR'S DESK

Mike's Message

We are also working with City Hall to

There is a meme that I see from time to

create a GOLD Path position that will

time on social media that reads, “ how

allow some high school students to

long does it take for a regular person to

come in this summer for a paid

become a Dispatcher? Answer—regular

internship to answer non-emergency

people can never become a Dispatcher,

calls. What does that mean? Someone

only extraordinary people can.” After

else may answer some of the Memphis

one month under that headset you

Animal Shelter calls. We have watched our non-emergency Call Volume rise and bringing staff in to handle that queue will free each of you up to answer 9-1-1 calls or get 45 more seconds in between calls. This position will be named 9-1-1 Dispatch Technician. We are modeling it after the PST program and hope to capture some young promising graduates and

understand that statement more than anyone else in the world. If a person that you give a card to gets hired and makes it through training, you will receive a referral bonus.

We are working with the MPD and the City to create some exciting new opportunities within the Bureau and I hope to share those details with you next month. It will be worth the read.

show them how rewarding this career

We have some conservative projections

can be.

that show us with 110 dispatcher going into summer and 125 dispatchers going

The Police Radio Dispatcher job is a

into September. Those are conservative

continual posting position now.

projections and those numbers could be

Meaning that citizens can apply at

higher. We will hire our next class in

anytime and we can start smaller

April and then work to hire every three

classes more regularly. This is a key

Months until fully staffed. We have said

strategy to reach full staffing. This also

it for 2 years straight and it holds true.

opens the door for referral bonuses,

We must continue to hire, train, and

and we are working with City HR to

retain. Retention during the pandemic

implement that new program.

compounded by the overtime has been a challenge and I thank each one of you

I attended a session on the Virtual Be the Difference Conference that talked about recruiting. We will make business cards available to all employees so you can recruit when you meet or come across someone that you think may have “it”.

for hanging on.

You are an amazing group of people. You do the most important public safety job and I appreciate the hard work and dedication. A new year brings new hope.

Let’s work to make 2022 the best one yet for MPD Emergency Communications.

- Mike

Nov. 2021

Dispatcher of the Month MELINDA JOHNSON

"I've been a dispatcher for 2.5 years. My favorite part of the job is the rewarding feeling I get at the end of my shift knowing that I’ve helped make a difference in the city." - Melinda Johnson

EOM INTERVIEW: PRD MELINDA JOHNSON why did you win employee of the month?

what advice would you give to a new employee?

The advice that I would give a newer employee is to remain consistent, have a great attitude, and keep coming to work. It will pay off. what is the most challenging part of the job?

The most challenging part of the job is the lack of closure on some calls (especially the difficult ones).

IS THERE SOMETHING YOU WISH YOU COULD CHANGE ABOUT THE JOB? Since I started, there has been a drastic decrease in staff. If I could change one thing about the job it would be the excessive mandatory drafts.

I won EOM for November because I’ve been at work everyday on time, I’ve worked all of my overtime, and most of all I’ve been productive and always willing to help where I’m needed.

This is my first EOM award. tell us about your most memorable call.

My most memorable call was a suicide. A woman called crying advising that she had found her fiancé hanging in the garage after the two of them had an argument.

I could hear the victim in the background making groaning noises after the female caller got him down and tried performing CPR. He was dead when MFD arrived. what are you looking forward to most in the future?

As it pertains to the job ........ adequate staffing, less drafts, and a raise.

BEYOND THE BUREAU

What constitutes an abduction?

Robin Hulley worked for Memphis Police Department for 32 years and retired as lieutenant in 2019. As a reserve officer, she is still a member of CART and works part time in the Cold Case Homicide unit.

The Child Abduction Response Team (CART) consists of members thought out the police department. CART is a joint agency task force comprised of Memphis Police, Shelby County Sherriff’s Officers (search and rescue), Memphis Police Dispatchers, TBI, US Marshall’s, and Shelby County School Officers.

CART is responsible for putting together a well-trained team to research and locate child abduction victims. The team works from a command post along with uniform officers until the child is located.

An abduction can be either a stranger or a parent/family member and is based on the information gathered from the scene.

It is critical for the dispatcher to determine if the child is in or in fear of immediate danger. The custodian of the child should be able to provide that information if it is someone known to them. CART will usually make the final decision on whether it is a call out situation or one that we will just monitor.

It is critically important to ask the caller pertinent details including, suspect/vehicle/clothing/direction and if the suspect has a known a cell phone number. And, of course, all information about the victim and if they have a cell phone. It is at times difficult to determine if the call is an abduction or domestic. The Communications supervisors should never hesitate to call CART and talk it though.

HOT TOPICS

Should Memphis police officers be required to live in Memphis?

Requiring Officers to live within the county, while focused on an attempt to create that community policing I feel, is short sighted. The restriction limits the ability to recruit and fill the needs of future Officers the city desperately needs. There are those that live outside the county that work for other departments or want to start a law enforcement career that have an established life, residence and family that might not want to be uprooted just to move a few miles just to be inside Shelby County lines.

The 2-hour recall time limit should be sufficient requirement for all officers to abide by. Limiting the number of qualified applicants in an all-ready shallow pool is a threat to public safety. - Josh Edwards

Why does it matter where the employee resides if the employee is dependable? The City of Memphis crime rate has sky rocketed through the roof, which is causing police response times to be lengthy. Another related issue is Shelby County Schools. Someone may want to live elsewhere so their children can be in a better school system. SCS is so disorganized and I'm not a fan of the curriculum. There are also a limited number of places our children can go to without the business being shot up, robbed or your vehicle being tampered with or stolen. I could go on and on about the pros and cons of living in Memphis, but when you're on the side on helping citizens ( like we are) we see more bad than good. We see reasons why we wouldn't want to live here. - Jillian Graham

No, I don't think officers should have to live in Memphis. Sometimes you have to expand further out to get better results.

Bringing officers from areas outside of Memphis can bring in new ideas. Ideas that may help decrease the crime that occurs in Memphis. With good pay they may be willing to move in town ---- and then again some people don't mind driving so many miles to work. Yentl Evans

Ridgeway Station Grieves written by Det. M. Stephens As 2022 started, Ridgeway Station was prepared to fight crime and protect our neighborhoods as we have done for years. Then, without notice, we faced some challenging days within the precinct.

The connection of unforeseen events between these next couple of days could have crippled

Detective Markus Stephens Ridgeway GIB

entire companies. We lost GIB Sergeant Namika Johnson and Lieutenant Lee Raburn hours apart.

Shock waves not only through our precinct but city-wide. We had friends consoling each other and reminiscing about the good times. While Grief counselors were present, we received another early morning call.

This time a former Ridgeway officer who was promoted to lieutenant was injured, shot with his condition unknown. God's grace spared his life, and thankfully a full recovery is expected. During the early morning hours of Sergeant Johnson’s wake tragedy struck again to Ridgeway Station. Officer Corille “CJ” Jones was en route to a call when a vehicle collided with his squad car. The accident claimed his life and the driver of the other vehicle.

An officer who witnessed the accident has less than one year in the department. It's hard to imagine the mindset and processing of seeing your partner's lifeless body. Again, grief counselors were at the precinct offering prayer and condolences to a hurt group of strong men and women. We were walking around, dazed and confused. We are known for our strength, but looking at crying eyes makes a lasting impression.

So as we endure, we must remain prayerful and check on each other. Life is precious.

God will surely see us through in 2022.

- Detective M. Stephens

In Memory Of Sergeant Namika Johnson Namika made you feel like you were her best friend.

She was always professional and took pride in her work. Det. Markus Stephens

Officer Corille "CJ" Jones CJ told some of us that God told him to leave the Fire Department and become a Police Officer. He was one of the most humble guys you could ever meet.- Det. Markus Stephens

MPD FAMILIES

GWEN & TERRON

CONNER

every day is valentine's day

We will both be working February 14 which is fine because everyday is Valentine's Day with us.

We show love to one another all year long."

THEY LOVE WORKING TOGETHER " It's been great working for MPD. It’s nice to be able to have conversations about work where we can understand each other’s job and laugh at some of the craziness. I also love that we work the same shift. Working overnight allows us to spend more time together and attend our kid's sporting events."

DISPATCHER OF THE MONTH INA PHELPS dec. 2021 serving the city of memphis since 2000

In 2021, I answered 5,092 emergency calls.

I AM 9-1-1 Police Radio Dispatcher Ina Phelps Ina Joy Phelps has worked in Communications for 22 years. When she is not working she enjoys traveling, reading and kickboxing.

EOM INTERVIEW: PRD INA PHELPS

What is your all-time favorite ECB memory?

I was crying in the break room because I was really struggling with learning the job. PRD Sam Henderson came in and said , “Don’t let them see you cry or sweat.

Do not make me get on this table and do a dance for you.” He was the reason I toughened up. RIP Sam

What are some of the changes you have seen (in the bureau , job , industry,) from the time you started until now?

Our consoles are now adjustable which makes for comfort. We have the convenience of someone coming to administer Covid testing.

IS THERE SOMETHING YOU WISH YOU COULD CHANGE ABOUT THE JOB? I would like for us to be able to have inservice (in person) again vs. on line. I enjoy the personal classes because you can interact with others and get their aspects on things.

Information changes often and if you’re not a CTO or new hire, you may miss something. It is more than signing off on Power DMS. I am a better in class learner. Also, it would be nice to be fully staffed.

what are you looking forward to most in the future?

Retirement. I am looking for the next 3 years to go as smoothly as the first 22 have.

And for God to continue to bless my family and friends.

EOM INTERVIEW: PRD INA PHELPS wHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT BEING A DISPATCHER? My favorite part of the job is that I am an essential worker.

We will always need 911 operators. You may not see us, however we are the first ones on the scene (by phone). We are the quiet storms that send the help that is needed. I’ve learned a lot about life working on the job. what is the most challenging part of the job?

One of my most challenging parts of the job is sometimes I receive calls from those when they are going through their darkest hour. It is challenging at times trying to get the most important information that is needed for a call. A lot of callers want to give you information on what happened days, weeks or even years ago. When calling 911, we need to know first the address and what is going on right now.

tell us about your most memorable call.

My most memorable call happened when I was training in call taking. An elderly grandmother called 911 to report her 3yr old grandson missing. It was a very hot summer day. She said she had only missed him for 5 minutes. She had been cooking. I interviewed her and asked if she had checked every room , closet and the bathroom to make sure he wasn’t in the tub, under the beds and tables. I also asked her if she’d checked inside and outside of her vehicle and around the outer part of the house. She said yes. But when the officers got there, the Central dispatcher said he couldn’t get the words out and he just screamed and couldn’t catch his breath because the baby was in the backyard in the swimming pool under some branches. He didn’t have on a shirt, was wearing plaid shorts and wasn’t wearing any shoes.

HOW WE TRAIN

Jazmin Eley-Moore My favorite part of training is having the opportunity and the ability to shape the way newcomers view and approach the job. I’m very mindful that trainees are extremely impressionable and can be swayed into thinking negatively or being pessimistic far too early in their training. It’s not always easy to have this mindset, but it is important.

When I was a trainee, I met a lot of skilled people who each contributed something different to my development. They each had something that I admired, so when I felt like I started developing certain skills in my journey, I wanted to be able to share that with others who were embarking on a new journey.

My philosophy is that a trainee can learn different things from many different people. So when a trainee comes to me, one of the first things I tell them is that I am comfortable with them doing tasks in whatever way makes them feel comfortable, as long as they get to the proper end result in a timely fashion.

Occasionally, I have to adjust my training style because everyone is unique and learns differently.

J. Eley-Moore looks on while providing instruction to a dispatch trainee.

I am comfortable with them ( trainees) doing tasks in whatever way makes them feel comfortable, as long as they get to the proper end result in a timely fashion.

" As a trainer, you get to instill the work ethic and professionalism that defines one of the most important jobs performed by any City of Memphis employee." - Administrator Mike Spencer

There are three things I look for in a trainee: consistency, patience, and open-mindedness. If a trainee can possess those attributes, the possibilities are endless! We can approach training in many ways when someone is open-minded.

Consistency is key to progressing when learning telecommunicator concepts. Finally, this is a job that changes daily, so a person will need patience to deal with the changes.

If any of those things are missing or lacking, progression in the program may be tough.

Currently, the training program is in what I would call a redevelopment phase. We have seen a lot of changes over the last few months and I think we are trying to find our niche. With that said, there are some things that will change organically but the only thing that I would change myself is the stigma or negativity that surrounds training within the bureau.

1. Be consistent 2. Be open minded 3. Be patient

I am most proud of the rapport I build with my trainees that continues even years after I have trained them. Throughout their training process, they give me updates of their progress and for the ones who are no longer in training, they are normally very quick to share with newer trainees how much they enjoyed training with me. If I can have even a small impact, that means that I am doing exactly what I set out to do when I became a trainer.

- Jazmin Eley-Moore

EIGHT TIPS FOR SURVIVING YOUR FIRST YEAR IN 9-1-1 Memphis Police Emergency Communications Bureau Training Team

1

DON'T QUIT

2

Minimize distractions. Remember what you are here

You've made it through the testing and interviews.

to do. You are here to make it past your probationary

Great ! Now the real work begins. Training will be

year. Yes, some of your new co-workers will become

challenging. There is a lot of information to

your friends- especially your classmates. But

consume each day. However, continue to arrive at

3

remember first and foremost, you are still vying for a

work ready to learn, show and prove. Keep

permanent position. You may see other dispatchers

coming. We want you to do well and are rooting

laughing and joking on the floor. Don't join in. Learn

for your success.

your job first.

KNOW YOUR POLICY AND PROCEDURE

4

P & P is the basis for dispatching and the

with your trainer. If this is not possible, then

our jobs. Becoming well versed with and adhering

escalate your concerns up the chain of command.

to P & P will aid you as you transition through

Don't try to jump levels. There is a system in place

training as well as when you become a full-fledged

to help you succeed and a system in place to

dispatcher. It's a wise choice to study your manual

resolve issues. Respect the system.

any time you have down time.

ASK QUESTIONS

6

ACCEPT CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM

Trainers provide feedback to help you grow. Any It is okay to ask questions. You are learning many

criticism provided is only so you can become a

new concepts, so you should have questions. Your

competent telecommunicator. Don't take it

trainer and other veteran dispatchers will be happy

personal. We are precise in our methods. This is so

to help you. Each trainer may have different

we can keep officers and citizens safe and keep the

training methods and personalities and you can

City and ourselves away from litigation.

learn something from each one.

7

FOLLOW THE CHAIN OF COMMAND If you have any issues, first attempt to resolve them

foundation of our decision making as we perform

5

FOCUS

THINK POSITIVE

8

REMAIN PROFESSIONAL Professionalism can be defined as the conduct,

There really is power in positive thinking. Our job

behavior and attitude someone displays in a work

can be inherently negative in nature. After all most

environment. Show up to work in uniform or

people aren't having a great day if they are dialing

approved office attire. Make sure you have your

9-1-1. It will be important to learn how to manage

headset, P & P manual and workbook. Display an

your thoughts and stress levels. You must believe

attitude that shows that you want to learn and do

you will do well. On a positive note, once you are

well. Respect all people you come into contact

properly trained you will also make a difference.

with inside the building. Remember 9-1-1 is for when life is on the line and respect the seriousness and importance of this line of work.

TIPS SUBMITTED BY :

CTS JULIA ROBINSON, RPL

SPRD MARGARET STIGER, RPL : TRAINING

CTS CLAUDIA DORSEY

SUPERVISOR & LEAD INSTRUCTOR

CTS ASHLEY BOSWELL

#IAM911PROJECT

serving the city of memphis since 2017

In 2021, I answered 8,453 emergency calls.

I AM 9-1-1 Police Radio Dispatcher Brittney Johnson

Charles & Sonya

ROSS

Charles and I will be married nineteen years this coming July.

We have seven beautiful children Courtney, Pierre, Zavier, Chandler, JC, Gabrielle, & Jacob. I have two honey bees (cause I am NOT grandma) Lennox & Corrine 9 months and Princeton whose arrival is set in mid April. I started as a PRDT October 31, 2016. Once I was released as a PRD my husband decided to leave the Shelby County Penal Farm as a Corrections Officer and join the City of Memphis as a Police Officer. We are a musical family so we love to do anything musical. We love to cook together, hang out and check each other for fun. With both of us having hectic schedules, we deliberately make time to sped our one off day in common together. - Sonya Ross

#IAM911PROJECT

serving the city of memphis since 2002

In 2021, I answered 4,309 emergency calls.

I AM 9-1-1

Police Radio Dispatcher Chandra Cattron

Women in 9-1-1 Spotlight "I started out working as an EMT/Paramedic on an ambulance full time and part time as a 9-1-1 dispatcher at the same time. I have been a full time front line dispatcher, supervisor, training officer, and director. I have been blessed to serve on our state board and many state and national committees. I was the first female chair of our state 9-1-1 board, so that was super cool!"

JENNIFER WHITE NENA PRESIDENT Jennifer White has worked in 9-1-1 for 25 years. She is the Executive Director for a consolidated PSAP in Tennessee and the current NENA president.

"I am married to Don who is a police chief/ public safety director. He is a social butterfly and the keeper of my calendar! He is my biggest fan and thinks I can do anything! We have two children, Emily who is a senior at the University of Tennessee and Caleb who is a senior in high school."

Jennifer's Message is "INVEST" You owe it to yourself to go all in. You owe it to yourself to be the best trained, most educated, and most driven person in the room. Find a way to love your career and motivate others. You owe it to yourself to be INVESTed! TAKE ACTION Join NENA. Join WIN. Join a workgroup or a committee. Take a webinar.

Attend a training. Become a mentor. Be a mentee.

Get in a study group for ENP. INVEST!

My main goal is to serve NENA as president and to encourage our members and 9-1-1 professionals to INVEST in themselves over this year. INVEST by becoming involved, gaining new education, exploring new ways to serve, and looking at how they can INVEST in others. If one person can say them have elevated themselves by INVESting, then I will have met my goal!

Who are some women that have impacted your career?

There are so many people that have

Why is it important for women to connect and join groups like WIN: Women in 9-1-1?

impacted my career it is hard to narrow the list down. I think that every

People need to be surrounded by like

woman that has made her way in

minded people that have the same

public safety and has worked hard to

challenges and goals they do. You

earn a seat at the table with other first

need a tribe. You need to be able to

responder agencies have impacted

learn from people that have a lot to

me. Every woman that has overcame

offer. It is essential to have people

challenges of balancing home, life,

rooting for you in this life and this is

and work--- and have risen to the top

an amazing place to find your people!

have impacted me. Every woman that has stepped out of her comfort zone and served on committees and boards has impacted me. Every woman that has presented a new idea to make things better has impacted me.

Detective Markus Stephens visits his wife PRD Melanie Stephens in Communications.

Detective Stephens is a 13 year MPD veteran. He is the Crime Analysis Liaison and National Integrated Ballistic Information Network Coordinator for Ridgeway Station. His responsibilities include mapping out crime trends and documenting every firearm related crime. Melanie Stephens is approaching her ten year anniversary as a police dispatcher with MPD. She is also a 911 trainer and union steward.

The Stephens' Love Story Where did you two meet?

How do you like working together?

What do you like best about working for MPD?

What do you like to do outside of work?

Do you have any Valentine's Day plans?

#IAM911PROJECT

serving the city of memphis since 2012

In 2021, I answered 3,736 emergency calls.

I AM 9-1-1

Police Radio Dispatcher Erica Morris

2021 Recap

They're outta here!!

The 1st Female Chief of MPD

They got next on retirement!

Katie

Jenny & Stacy

Dewanda

They made probation!

SPRD Ashley Boswell hugs her favorite!

SPRDs - Erica

Jesse

Jameta

They're In!

Trecia paints

It snowed & we got rides!

Manager Rogers & Manager Stiger presented a webinar

We added a Dispatcher!

TENA Attendees

New CTOs!

There was a wedding!

#IAM911PROJECT serving the city of memphis since 2015

Always Serving with a Smile :-)

I SUPPORT 9-1-1 Communications Administrative Assistant Leiser Webb

Manager Rogers & Manager Stiger in their office.

"We laugh to keep from crying!"

ALPHA SHIFT

CHARLIE SHIFT SUPERSTARS

PRD Shaneqwa Green

We work hard. We smile through it all!

Kacey Lloyd, PRDT

Jason Barnett, of the Public Safety Marketing Team tells Ashley Reeves he has BIG plans for her.

this is going to be good

Jesse Teaches the newest class!

Struttin’ After Work

WELLNESS

written by Linda Hollingsworth

A brisk walk can help you:

Alpha shift walking buddies Guriece Williams, Karen Ollie, and Cassandra Berry understand the rewards associated with walking. It doesn't require expensive equipment or special skills, and it provides a wide range of health benefits.

maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat prevent and manage various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer and type 2 diabetes improve cardiovascular fitness strengthen your bones and muscles improve muscle endurance improve circulation Walking is one exercise that won't cost you anything beyond time. These Alpha shift walking buddies want to encourage you to walk your way to better health and promote wellness in your life.

#IAM911PROJECT

serving the city of memphis since 2007

Communications IT Support

I AM 9-1-1

Cad Tech James Coughlin

#IAM911PROJECT

serving the city of memphis since 2018

In 2021, I answered 7,651 emergency calls.

I AM 9-1-1 Police Radio Dispatcher Kenneth Owens

Spotlight BEYOND

THE

BUREAU

With great excitement, I am proud to say that I have reached a major and important milestone in my career and life. On January 13th, I celebrated 25 years of service with the Memphis Fire Department. I joined the department in a temporary status in August 1996. The following year, on January 13, 1997, I became a full time employee for the City of Memphis Fire Services. I started my journey in Fire-Public Education. May of 2000, I was hired as a Fire Alarm Operator and the legacy began. These 25 years have quickly approached and I can hardly believe it myself.

I love what I do. Helping people and making a difference in difficult and stressful situations has taught me a lot and made me a better person. I am most fortunate, better than I deserve. Not everyday is a good day or an easy day, but they are days filled with perfect opportunities to put self aside and aid in someone’s distress. I am truly blessed to celebrate such an achievement and I am very excited about the next chapter of my life.

Gratefully,

Tiffany Whitaker, Fire Alarm Operator III

Notes from Editor

Editor-In-Chief Deranecque Rogers, ENP

CREATING A CULTURE OF POSITIVITY

Let's face it, we are all tired. You are working more than you want to. But hold on. Help is on the way!

Our ECA has shared with us that the application process for Police Radio Dispatcher is now continuous. That means the hiring will not stop. Tell a friend. Share with someone who will make a positive impact in our center. There are PRDTs on the floor now and a class at the Training Academy. We will get to where we need to be.

In the meantime and in between time, we have to be positive.

We must put our best self forward and cultivate an atmosphere of positivity. We have to motivate and appreciate one another daily. Be the dispatcher you want to sit next to.

Change your mind and the action will follow. Speak peace and calm into existence as you enter the workplace.

It is up to us to produce a happy workplace. It is imperative that we create a culture of positivity.

Here are 5 things You can do: 1. Normalize Respect - respect yourself, your peers, and everyone else around you. Be courteous and considerate of everyone around you.

2. Accept Feedback - don't dismiss or become angry at comments or critique. We all make mistakes. Adjust to giving & receiving positive feedback from your peers.

3. Practice Gratitude - be appreciative. Things could always be worse. Always find something to be thankful for; no matter how small.

Have you witnessed a co-worker go above and beyond?

Have you heard someone be super awesome on a call or on the radio?

Share with us for an AMPED UP feature. We want everyone to know how awesome we are.

4. Make Positive Connections - be around someone who smiles - it's contagious. Link up with positive people.

5. Destress - exercise, eat healthy, laugh, and relax. Being committed to your health enhances your positivity. Always Be Cool!

#WeAreAMPEDUP