This week is National Telecommunicators Week. The week recognizes the contributions of 911 dispatchers. Rebecca Bonker, who retired from service as a Guthrie County dispatcher in 2012 after 29 years years of service tells Raccoon Valley Radio the job is stressful, difficult and often thankless, but being able to help someone during what may be some of the scariest times in their lives is worth it.

“Only about 2% of people can do this job, we’re often doing four or five things at once and there might be somebody scared, confused or hysterical screaming in your ear while you do it. But it is a great way to help people who really need it. I felt good about what I did every day.”

In less populous counties like Guthrie, Dispatchers simultaneously answer calls, file warrants, manage the jail during the night, and complete an array of other tasks. At larger 911 centers calls are more frequent and dispatchers answer emergency calls throughout their shifts.