NENA Member Spotlight: Maria Lemonds, ENP
 Print this Article | Send to Colleague
This special feature highlights individual NENA members from various backgrounds, industry segments, experience and geographic locations. It offers members an opportunity to share their stories with their colleagues and the greater NENA community. Click here to email NENA Member Services Director Bri Robinson if we should feature you or someone you know.
NENA: What does 9-1-1 mean to you?
 ML: 9-1-1 has become more than just a job to me it is my passion. I truly believe in helping people, and as a 9-1-1 dispatcher, we are the first person that anyone speaks to on their worst day. We are the voice that calms the storm, we are to caring voice getting help on the way for that elderly person who did not want to be a burden but is having chest pains. We are the voice to officers and firefighters who are out on scene and needing that calming voice to get them through the call and get their mind off the horror they might be seeing.
NENA: What do you like best about your job?
ML: I have found another passion during my time under the headset and that is becoming a trainer. I enjoy teaching the public about 9-1-1, but I have also found great pleasure in being able to pass on my knowledge of the job. I started as a training officer at the Sheriff’s Office and then was asked if I would like to help talk about 9-1-1 with the public in the schools and events, such as National Night Out. That progressed to talking to our Citizens Academy about 9-1-1 and what our job is in dispatch. Then I became an associate trainer for TCIC/NCIC, and TCOLE, and I must say I truly enjoy talking to new and seasoned dispatchers who come to classes.
Click here to read Maria's full profile...
   
|
|
