LPD dispatchers earn recognition for helping keep Lincoln safe

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – National Telecommunicators Week is giving some credit where it’s due.

Telecommunicators, or emergency dispatchers, don’t always get the same recognition that police officers and firefighters do, but their impact is nothing to overlook.

On Tuesday, Channel 8 had the opportunity to speak to some dispatchers at the Lincoln Police Department.

“You have no idea what is going to happen on the other end of that line,” senior dispatcher Shasta Starkey said. “And you’re just picking up the phone and hoping you can give that person your best. I can walk away probably every day of this 10-year career of mine knowing that I’ve done something good.”

Last year, LPD dispatchers took over 420,000 emergency calls. That number continues to grow every year.

Plans to build a new dispatch center are underway. This expansion will have new state-of-the-art technology and hold more workers.

More details about the new dispatch center will be released soon.

LPD also has a job opening for a dispatcher. You can apply online.