Who Am I - Author Unknown

Arlene Pretty - Surrey Fire Service - Retired

Who Am I?

I am the voice that calms the mother when she calls stating; her child has started a fire

 while playing with matches.  Or the cooking pot on top of the stove caught on fire.

I am the invisible hand that holds and comforts the person reporting

their friend has been injured in a mountain climbing accident.

I am the friend who talks to the disgruntled caller when they cannot

breathe during open burning season.

I sent help when you had your first automobile accident.

I am the one who tries to obtain the information from callers to ensure that the scene

 is safe for those I dispatch to emergencies – all the while anticipating the worst

 and hoping for the best.

I am the psychologist who readily adapts my language and tone of voice

to serve the needs of my callers with compassion and understanding.

I am the ears that listen to the needs of all those I serve.

I have heard the screams of faceless people I never will meet, nor forget.

I have cried at the atrocities of mankind and rejoiced at the miracles of life.

I was there, though unseen by my comrades in the field during the most trying emergencies.

I have tried to visualize the scene to coincide with the voices I heard.

At times I am not privy to the outcome of a call, and so I wonder…

I am the one who works weekends, strange shifts and holidays. Children do not say they

 want my job when they grow up. Yet, I am at this vocation by choice.

Those I help very seldom call back to say thank you.

Still there is comfort in the challenge, integrity, and purpose of my employment.

I am thankful to provide such a meaningful service.

I am a mother, father, sister, brother, son or daughter.

I am where you need me and still here when you don’t.

The dispatch room is never empty, and the work here is never done.

I am always on call.  The training is strenuous, demanding and endless.

No two days at work are ever the same.

Who am I?

I am a Fire Dispatcher.