Tales from 911

Have you ever thought that the dispatchers who handle the 911 emergency calls have stories to tell and burdens to carry? Now, their stories have been collected by the PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) Standards & Training Committee. The Post Falls PD is running some on its site including the one below:

“You just watched your mom’s boyfriend shoot himself in the head. It was so hard to hear the address from you over the screams of agony from your mother and your tearful pleas. You described what you saw and I heard you begging your mother to come out of the room; I heard you physically pulling her away because you didn’t want her to see him in that state. I listened to you and your mother’s painful screams and cries for me to help him. I dispatched the ambulance and I stayed on the phone with you until I heard that first unit arrive on the scene. I went home that night and cried myself to sleep. I read his obituary today and my heart hurts for you still. You’re only 16 years old. This is not a burden any 16 year old should have to feel….to witness…to comprehend. Your pain and your voice is one I will never forget.” #IAM911”