2024
Dispatcher Burnout: Finding Ways to Rekindle the Passion
Dispatcher Burnout: Finding Ways to Rekindle the Passion
Burnout is real, and it’s hitting me hard right now. I used to look forward to heading into work, but these days I find myself dragging my feet around the house, debating if I truly need this job. Unfortunately, I do. So now, I’m on a mission to rediscover the love I once had for this career.
Finding Better Outlets
A common coping mechanism for many first responders is hitting the bar and drowning stress in alcohol. For me, that’s not an option—I have a wife and a two-year-old at home who rely on me to be present and functional. A few years ago, I discovered marijuana and edibles, which are legal in my state. They’ve become my preferred way to unwind after a tough shift or on my days off.
For me, marijuana beats alcohol. While alcohol tends to knock me out, marijuana helps me relax without turning me into a zombie. I can still be an active parent and even a better employee. The day after smoking, I’m more patient and less bothered by small annoyances at work. The one drawback? If I go more than two days without it, I notice my patience runs thin. To combat that, I’ve made it a daily ritual.
Rediscovering Passion Through Projects
One thing that helps me combat burnout is working on personal projects. This blog, for example, gives me an outlet to express my feelings and reflect on the experiences that make this job worthwhile. Even if no one else reads it, writing helps me process my thoughts and reminds me why I started in this field.
Another project I’ve taken on is working on my vehicles. I have a motorcycle and a Jeep that both need a lot of TLC. Sure, wrenching on them can be frustrating at times, but the sense of accomplishment when I see the progress makes it worth every ounce of effort.
Unwinding Through Gaming
When everyone else at home is asleep, I like to decompress with simulation games. I used to dive into high-energy games like Call of Duty or Apex Legends, but they only added to my stress. These days, I prefer low-stakes games like Farming Simulator or The Sims. They’re simple, relaxing, and help me escape from reality for a bit—though The Sims can get unexpectedly stressful when your Sim laughs themselves to death! Still, driving a tractor and tending to pixelated crops has become surprisingly therapeutic.
Looking Ahead
Even though burnout feels overwhelming right now, I know it’s temporary. By continuing to do what makes me happy—writing, gaming, and working on my vehicles—I’m confident I’ll get through it.
If you’re experiencing burnout too, I hope some of these strategies might help. And if you have suggestions for other ways to beat burnout, I’d love to hear them! Shoot me an email at anonymous@anonymous911.com.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! To those working stay safe and try to enjoy some food. To those not working go to work. :)
911 Operator and Deputy Sheriff going above and beyond
I’d like to give a round of applause to Shawano County 911 Telecommunicator Kim Krause and Deputy Sheriff Chase Mason. They both went above and beyond their job titles, making a meaningful difference in a child’s life.
End of Watch CPD Officer Enrique Martinez
Another officer has been killed in the line of duty due to rising crime. On November 4, 2024, at approximately 8 p.m., Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez, a 26-year-old man, was murdered by an armed assailant. Officer Martinez was performing his duty in a high-crime area when he pulled over a vehicle containing his attacker. Unbeknownst to Officer Martinez, the individuals in the car possessed a semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine and were prepared to use it. As he approached the vehicle, the suspect opened fire, injuring both officers on the scene. Officer Martinez later succumbed to his injuries at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Two suspects are in custody, and one was fatally wounded.
Officer Martinez had served with the Chicago Police Department for nearly three years, just one month shy of his anniversary, and was assigned to the 6th District. He leaves behind a fiancée and family. May Officer Martinez rest in peace, knowing his fellow officers will continue the work he courageously undertook.
Mayor Johnson issued a full statement Tuesday morning. It says:
“I am deeply heartbroken that we lost a member of the Chicago Police Department yesterday. The entire city of Chicago joins me in mourning this profound loss. “Every day, the brave men and women of the Chicago Police Department risk their lives to keep our city safe, and yesterday, one of them made the greatest sacrifice. “There will be justice for the officer’s family. There will be justice for our city. And there will be justice for the Chicago Police Department. The whole city and I stand with the officer’s family and loved ones, as well as the Chicago Police Department as they endure this tragedy. “I will remain in constant communication with the Chicago Police Department as the investigation unfolds, and we will provide updates as they become available.”
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker also issued a statement on social media, saying:
“Heartbroken as Illinois wakes up to the news that CPD Officer Enrique Martinez lost his life in the line of duty last night. Thinking of his family and fellow officers as we mourn the passing of this young, dedicated officer. May his memory be a blessing.”
If this tragedy is truly heartbreaking for city and state officials, perhaps it’s time for a closer look at policies that allow criminals to act without fear of law enforcement. For years, flawed policies have plagued this city, harming hard-working, low-income communities and allowing repeat offenders to go free. Each time an officer falls in the line of duty, politicians are quick to offer thoughts and prayers but slow to address the policies that contribute to these tragedies.
Multiple arrest at Florida and Georgia on November 2nd, 2024
The college football game between Florida and Georgia on November 2nd, 2024, ended with some controversy. From what I understand, officers were called to remove certain fans at the request of security.
In the first incident, which I will include videos of below, one individual appears to be heavily intoxicated. This person refuses to comply with officers commands to leave the stadium. The situation escalates when the individual threatens the officers’ lives and uses a racial slur directed at a Black officer who is ordering him to put his hands behind his back. After assessing that this individual posed a danger to themselves, the officers, and others nearby, the officers deployed a taser. The first taser briefly subdued the individual. The second taser by another officer seemed only to aggravate him. Following a failed attempt to bring the individual to the ground, the officers were forced to use physical force to complete the arrest.
In my opinion, the officers handled the situation appropriately. The individual disregarded basic commands, made threats, and used racial slurs toward the officers. Under these circumstances, force appeared to be the only way to ensure the individual’s removal. At one point, the individual even appeared to reach for the officer’s belt, possibly attempting to access his firearm. Given the situation, I believe the officers acted correctly; once the individual was handcuffed, the situation de-escalated, and he walked out with the officers. Based on the videos I’ve reviewed, I think they did an excellent job.
Jax Sheriff’s Office Incident 1 Officer Bowers’ BWC.
Jax Sheriff’s Office Incident 1 Suspect, Walter Brown, threatens to ＂kill a cop ＂.
Jax Sheriff’s Office Incident 1 Officer Kelly’s BWC.
Jax Sheriff’s Office Incident 1 Suspect grabs Officer Kelly’s gun.
In this second incident, similar to the first, security requested police assistance to remove disorderly individuals from the stadium. In the videos, these individuals appear to be intoxicated and are visibly showboating to those around them. One individual in an orange and blue jersey initially began walking out into the aisle with the police but then retreated back into the seating area. When the officer approached him again, the individual took a fighting stance. At least two individuals in this group engaged in physical altercations with the officers, who subsequently took both to the ground and placed them under arrest.
Based on the footage I’ve reviewed, I don’t believe the officers acted inappropriately. Although one sergeant appears to be somewhat more forceful than the other officers, given the circumstances, I would consider his actions justified.
Photos:
Videos:
Jax Sheriff’s Office Incident 2 Sgt Beasley’s BWC.
Jax Sheriff’s Office Incident 2 Officer Anthony’s BWC.
Jax Sheriff’s Office Incident 2 Officer Catino’s BWC.
After watching all the videos, including footage from individuals in the stands and officers’ body cameras, I don’t believe the police are at fault here. I genuinely think these incidents could have been avoided if the individuals involved had simply complied with police orders to exit the stands. I also believe alcohol was a contributing factor in both incidents. Be sure to check out the press conference below.
News Briefing reference GA-FL Viral videos.
Discord
Hey Y’all.
Just wanted to let you all know that I will not be adding comments to the site itself. I hate the way they look and they attract too much spam. So I decided to go with discord instead. Discord will mainly be used for talking about the articles but there is also a talk around section for talking about pretty much anything. The discord link is on the top link bar. You can also go on our twitter and comment on the articles that way as well.
Thanks for reading!
Why is morale so low?
Anyone that works in the emergency service field can tell you how bad management will lead to bad employment. Truthfully, that can be any job in any field, but emergency services is not a place that you want bad management. Bad management can fail you in a number of ways. The main way is in overall department morale. Low morale within departments can cause a lot of unwanted tension and fighting between employees. But where does bad management start? Who does the blame fall on? There really is only one answer to the question. It truly starts at the top and trickles its way down to the lowest ranks of your direct supervisor. The head boss truly does set the standard for how everyone should act, work, and operate. The head boss could be a chief, captain, undersheriff, sheriff, or director. Regardless of their rank, if they don’t lead by example and police their underlings, then they are a part of the problem.