LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
PARIS—As National Telecommunications Week is observed across the country April 13-19, the Paris Police Department is taking time to recognize the vital and tireless efforts of its telecommunications team—five dedicated professionals who serve as the unseen backbone of emergency services in the city.
“These five dedicated and highly skilled individuals are truly the unsung heroes of our department,” Melissa Garner, Administrative Secretary at the Paris Police Department, said. “Day in and day out, they serve the community and our officers, consistently demonstrating professionalism and composure, even when facing immense pressure and emotionally challenging situations.”
Working 12-hour shifts around the clock, dispatchers are responsible for handling an immense volume of calls—an average of 3,000 each month. Their duties range from dispatching officers to 911 emergencies and providing critical information during traffic stops and arrests, to managing warrants, processing reports and assisting walk-in visitors, including those in crisis.
Garner, a seasoned public safety professional with over 25 years in law enforcement administration, highlighted the complexity and gravity of their role.
“This job is not easy to learn—it takes years of practice to be able to multitask and handle everything dispatchers face. When someone calls, whether it’s a fight in progress, a car accident or a case of someone needing shelter for the night, dispatchers are the first to respond,” she said.
In addition to traditional call handling, dispatchers assist with issuing lodging and gas vouchers, maintaining detailed records and reports for state and federal agencies, managing the city’s impound process and coordinating with the fire department and other emergency services.
“They truly represent the best of the best,” Garner said. “Their dedication, attention to detail and commitment to officer safety and community care are nothing short of commendable.”
Despite the high demands of the job, the dispatch team remains committed and resilient. Garner proudly noted that many rarely call in sick, support one another with shift coverage and undergo extensive on-the-job training to handle Paris’ dynamic and fast-paced emergency environment.
Garner also underscored the need for additional staffing, noting the city’s high call volume due to its status as the largest city in Edgar County.
“We really need six dispatchers to keep up with the demand. But it’s a hard position to fill—the hours are long, the work is stressful and it takes a special kind of person to succeed in this role,” she said.
Through it all, the Paris Police Department stands proudly behind its dispatchers, honoring their unwavering service during National Telecommunications Week and every day of the year.
“When someone calls 911, it’s often the worst day of their life,” Garner said. “Our dispatchers are the calm in the chaos. They don’t wear a badge or carry a gun, but they are absolutely essential to keeping this city safe.”