This news item expired on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
National Public Safety Telecommunications Week is April 9-15, and Buncombe County is celebrating by profiling some of our 911 dispatch team. The demands of Public Safety Telecommunications make it a challenging and rewarding job. Being the first, first responder takes a special type of person, and Buncombe County is proud to highlight some of our amazing 911 staff in their own words. Thanks to all our Public Safety Telecommunicators for your dedication to helping keep our community safe.
Interested in joining the County’s Public Safety Telecommunications Team? Click here for more information.
Name: Haylee Williamson
Position: Telecommunicator I
Years as a Public Safety Telecommunicator: 9 Months
What made you want to become a Public Safety Telecommunicator? I wanted to become a Telecommunicator because I have always wanted to make a difference within my community. With this job, I have felt immense satisfaction in knowing I have been able to be a helping hand for someone in need. You hear people going through the worst days of their life, and you are their angel and voice on the other side of the phone. This job provides you with a second family and teammates to support you through it all. We are challenged daily and it never gets boring. No two calls will ever be the same. I am proud, I want to help, and I want to help you.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job would have to be the ability to help the community and first responders. I feel a sense of purpose every day I come into work and sit to face my next 12 hours.
What is a misconception of your job?
A common misconception of our job is that we are simply seen to answer phones when we do much more than that. We watch over our responders, listen to people during their worst moments, multi-task like crazy, and get overwhelmed but yet have to remain calm non the less.
What would you like the public to know about your job?
It’s a great job, but you need to be very passionate. If you want to help the community without being on the front lines, be a first-first responder with us. There’s no better feeling.