This week is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. During this week, dispatchers around the country are recognized for their dedication and service to public safety.

Amy Cleveland, a full-time dispatcher and jailer at the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office, tells Raccoon Valley Radio that days at the office are never the same twice. “No such thing as an average day. You never know whether you’re going to get the cat up the tree or four ambulance calls at one time. Dealing with law enforcement, fire, and EMS (Emergency Medical Services), you never know what’s going to be going on.”

Cleveland, whose husband is also a dispatcher and jailer for the county, originally chose this job because she thought it would be a good way to give back to her community. She says the most important skills a dispatcher needs are the abilities to keep calm and multitask. Her favorite part of the job is helping connect the officers with those who need assistance.

In addition to regular duties during normal business hours, Guthrie County dispatchers are also responsible for inmate supervision after hours. Guthrie County currently has seven individuals who have dispatcher and jailer duties.