Meet the Dispatcher: Amy White

8 years

Dispatchers are a vital part of the emergency response system, and it is so important to get the right resources to the right location as quickly as possible.  It is such an honor to be the voice on the phone in someone’s darkest hour.  To be by their side virtually, to encourage them, empower them, and inform them is a privilege that I don’t take lightly. 

Honestly, the best part is working with such a fun and lively group of dispatchers.  Taking the kinds of calls we handle all day every day can be emotionally challenging, but the dispatchers at FCC are always there to cheer you up, let you vent, or distract you with silly jokes to make the shift great.  I am blessed to work with a team that is so skilled, professional, and dedicated to their jobs. 

My father passed away from a heart attack without having a chance to call 911, so whenever I am speaking with a gentleman of a certain age having chest pain, I am so glad that they are getting the help they need from our emergency responders.  Sometimes people are embarrassed to call 911, but it is a brave and crucial step to getting the help that they need.

On Halloween 2014, there was a mudslide near Camarillo Springs.  I was on Command, and the mud entered a home and separated the residents and their dog.  The residents were rescued, but the dog was not to be found.  A few days later, the dog was located and the family was reunited. 

When you call 911, we will ask you a specific series of questions to ensure that you are getting exactly the right resources to help you, as quickly as possible.  We are here to help, not to judge you or get you in trouble.  Call 911 as soon as you recognize the situation is an emergency so that we can get help started right away.