“Behind The Scenes” Of Disaster In Central KY

Amidst all of the recent disasters, cities across the nation are taking time to honor those who work behind the scenes during emergencies.

This is National Telecommunicators Week, meant to honor dispatchers.

The Frankfort/Franklin County 911 Center has held events throughout the week to celebrate.

“It’s a chance for everybody to acknowledge what we do,” said telecommunicator Amanda Roberts.

Scott Mitchell was voted “dispatcher of the year” by his coworkers.

Mitchell has been doing the job for 21 years. He said it’s not something you do for the fame.

“We’re in this room and nobody sees us. We don’t have a flashy vehicle to drive. We’re just up here and when the phone call is over, it’s over,” Mitchell said.

“The officers know what we do and the firemen know what we do. But the public doesn’t really know.”

Mitchell said it’s often hard to separate yourself from emotion when you’re dealing with tragic situations.

“You just have to make yourself continue on because when you’re done with that one the phone’s still ringing and there’s something else going on,” Mitchell said.

Emergency Management Director Deron Rambo said dispatchers must past a series of tests and interviews before they are hired to ensure that they are a good fit for the job.