Dispatcher Poems
Poems About Dispatchers
Through my years of being a 9-1-1 dispatcher I have come across several beautiful poems. Some funny, some sad, some just out-right crazy. However, they all fit the job. There are good days and there are bad days.
I myself have used poetry as a way of relieveing stress and built up emotions that I have incurred as a dispatcher. While none of the work below is mine, I am happy to display it. These writers are very talented and have also found that writing is a great way of coping with the stress that comes with the job.
Here are a few of my favorite 9-1-1 Dispatcher Poems. I will be adding more including several funny dispatch poems.
Dispatcher's Prayer
A Dispatcher's Letter to God
Dear Lord,
Help me keep safe those who depend on me. Give me
healthy ears, for they are my link with those who need me. Keep my mind sharp and alert, my fingers quick and nimble. Grant that I never forget how to do ten things at once, and do them all equally well.
Bless me with patience Lord. Patience to deal with the public, with the officers, with the boss, and with everyone else who makes me want to grit my teeth and yell. Give me nerves of steel, that I may listen to a mother screaming for her child to live, the man with a gun, or an officer yelling for backup, and not give way to panic.
Grant me empathy, that I may help the battered wife, the rape victim, the abused child, and not cause them more pain than they already have.
God, give me the ability to learn what I need, to remember it quickly, and give me the wisdom to use the knowledge properly.
Bless my family Lord, for they will have to make sacrifices to shift work, overtime, canceled plans, and times when I just can't take on one more thing.
Help them understand the missed ball games, school
programs, and dinners for two.
Lord, give me courage. Courage to persevere when I feel undervalued, unappreciated, overworked, and unrecognized. Courage to keep trying when I feel in my heart it's hopeless. Last of all Lord, help me to never forget why I chose to do this job in the first place, to never lose sight of what is important in the midst of the stress.
Help me to remember that I make a difference, however small it may seem some days, and that I matter.
I am a dispatcher, Lord, grant me peace.
Author Unknown
A Day in the Life of a Dispatcher
by Karen Whaley, Arcadia (FL) Police Department
I leave my home and my family too
To go to the station my job to do,
My kids don't know when I'll work or I won't
My schedule's so crazy I sometimes don't!
It's hard to leave when my family's at home
But this shift will soon change, it won't be long.
I walk in the door and the first thing I see
is the dispatcher on duty just before me.
With a quick rundown of the day's events,
A sympathetic smile and a couple of hints,
She's out the door and back to her life
And I whisper a prayer for safety tonight.
My two worlds are different in so many ways
The language we speak, the things that we say.
At home it's "Mom, can I have some more, please?"
And here, it's 10-4 and 10-29P's.
Though different at times they're similar too
Because someone's life is depending on you.
You answer the phone call after call -
A lost dog, a found cat or nothing at all.
Then the phone rings and the voice on the line
Is screaming for help and you know that it's time.
Your training takes over, you get help on the way,
As you dispatch units you silently pray
"Oh, Lord, please go with them wherever they go
They're risking their lives for one they don't know.
For every officer I have to send
Is not just my co-worker but also my friend.
They have homes and families too,
So I'm asking you, Lord, Please see them through."
As the first of the officers arrive on the scene
You hear the radio beginning to sing.
Send Rescue, and Crime Scene, and CID
Get some more units and call 1,2, and 3.
Send out a BOLO, call this girl's mom
Have her go to the hospital but try to sound calm.
The crisis is over and they're back on patrol
And you know it's okay to lose control.
A couple of tears, a few minutes alone
and back out you go to answer more phones.
The music's too loud, there's a cow in the road
The neighbors are watering in spite of the code.
The next dispatcher is a welcome sight
When she walks in and says, "been a long night?"
You give a quick rundown of the day's events,
a sympathetic smile and a couple of hints,
And when the last of my officers calls 10-42
Today my job's done and I go home too.
Just A Voice
Dispatcher Poem
You don't know who I am; to you I am just a voice.
It was me who took your frantic call, when you had no other choice.
I spend many hours waiting, to help when you're in need.
"Send help to me, please get them here is often what you plead.
To do my job is complex, but only a few tools are a must
Put your faith in me, I am the one that you can trust.
My ears are a necessity; my mouth a mighty sword
I must use my ears to listen, and then choreograph every word.
I am the protector of this land; I take pride in what I do
I am here to listen and do what is best for you.
The day you place a call to me, might be the worst day you ever had
At least today you know, I too was feeling sad.
I take your problems home with me, I know that's not so good,
But as you felt your tragedy it was by your side I stood.
I walked with you to the door, to let them into help,
I guided you to safety, when all alone you felt.
It is not often we hear praise or even simple thanks,
But the cookies and cards are plenty through police and fire ranks.
The day you placed your call, and I picked up the phone
I hope I made you feel safe and showed you you're not alone.
Remember who I am, I am not just a voice
I am the 911 Dispatcher you called when you had no other choice.
Remember your 911 Dispatchers during
Author: Tracy Eldridge
Rochester, MA Communications Center
If Only You Could
Dispatcher Poem
If your eyes could see what my ears have heard.
You would weep like me.
If your eyes could see what my ears have heard.
You would spend countless hours in your bed starring at the ceiling.
If your eyes could see what my ears have heard.
Then you would cry for the woman who is losing her husband of decades.
If your eyes could see what my ears have heard.
You would know that gunfire is always near.
If your eyes could see what my ears have heard.
That house fire would not be so spectacular.
If your eyes could see what my ears have heard
The lost child would be like one of your own.
If your eyes could see what my ears have heard
That traffic stop would not be so routine.
If your eyes could see what my ears have heard
You would understand.
Author Unknown
Who Am I?
Dispatcher Poem
Who Am I?
I am the voice that calms the mother
breathing life into her infant son.
I am the invisible hand that holds and
comforts the elderly man who woke up
and found his wife of 50 years had
passed away during the night.
I am the friend who talks the disgruntled
teenager out of ending her own life.
I sent help when you had your first
automobile accident.
I am the one who tries to obtain the information
from callers to ensure that the scene is safe for
those I dispatch to emergencies - all the while
anticipating the worst and hoping for the best.
I am the psychologist who readily adapts by
language and tone of voice to serve the needs
of my callers with compassion and understanding.
I am the ears that listen to the needs of all
those I serve.
I have heard the screams of faceless people
I will never meet nor forget.
I have cried at the atrocities of mankind and
rejoiced at the miracle of life.
I was there, though unseen, by my comrades
in the field during the most trying emergencies.
I have tried to visualize the scene to coincide
with the voices I have heard.
I am usually not privy to the outcome of
the call, and so I wonder...
I am the one who works weekends, strange
shifts and holidays. Children do not say they
want my job when they grow up.
Yet, I am at this vocation by choice.
Those I help do not call back to say thank you.
Still, there is comfort in the challenge, integrity
and the purpose of my employment.
I am thankful to provide such a meaningful service.
I am a mother, a father, sister, brother, son or
a daughter.
I am here when you need me and still here when you don't.
My office is never empty, and the work here
is never done. I am always on call. The training is
strenuous, demanding and endless.
No two days at work are ever the same.
Who Am I?
I am an emergency dispatcher and I am proud.
Author Unknown
Our Dispatchers
A Poem to Dispatchers From the Deputies
Our dispatchers are our lifeline.
Without them we would be lost
If we did not have them
What would be the cost?
We would have no information
On the criminals we pursue.
And when we got into trouble,
Without them what would we do?
They're our link to our nearest backup,
they get info on cars we have stopped.
Without them on the radio,
We wouldn't be much of a cop.
They call out the fire trucks and medics,
And they deal with the walk ins and freaks.
And every other situation,
That through our front door peaks.
So the next time you push the button,
And into the mike you speak.
Just remember to appreciate the voice
On the other end, that's there from week to week.
Our Dispatchers are our lifeline,
I know this to be true.
Cause I sure wouldn't want to be out there,
Without one to protect us, the way that they do!
Don't Forget About the Dispatchers!
Don't Forget About the Dispatchers!
Dispatchers Are Invisible
Dispatcher Poem
My sacrifice is small compared to some, it seems
but each day I sacrifice a part of me
Some days it is returned when I leave
on others they take it away from me
Each day I park my emotions at the door
and enter a realm few want to explore
Let me take you into my world so you can see
what a day in the life of a 911 dispatcher can be
I need five hands to answer phones
for typing and the radio's alone
One to grab coffee while it's still warm
as all tasks, simutaneously, must be preformed
My skin has to be tough to withstand
when barbs from growling officers land
or jabs from complaining citizens
often make me re-assess, where I am
A dispatcher needs five sets of ears
for telephones, radios, and alarms to hear
for intercoms and officers who need to know
all information my screens can show
Along with the ears you need a brain
capable of remembering everything
all local and ten codes; the elements of crimes
phonetic alphabets and what to say each time
What questions to ask for every call
hundreds of voices, with emergencies one and all
You must make a decision in a minute or less
and send appropriate units to meet the test,
while talking on the radio to other emergencies
as you try to handle everyone's needs
You need an abundance of patience to be
able to handle all the emotions you see
Your heart must never break
when answering some of the calls you take
from a mother who's child just passed away
or a rape victium, who is afraid to stay
There is the suicidal person you don't want to loose
and frighten children you need to soothe
The little old lonely lady who just wants some time
to hear a caring vioce, at the end of the line
As a dispatcher I am invisible, you see
except in emergencies....when you really need me.
Author: Carole Mathys
Need A Good Laugh?
Check out these funny 9-1-1 calls!
If you are in need of a good laugh, or just want to hear some of the funniest 9-1-1 calls ever, check out Funny 9-1-1 Calls.
Protecting the Three
Dispatcher Poem
Protecting the Three
I am the Officer, follow me
Preserving the peace is where I'll be
I am the torch that lights the way
In darkness my courage will pave a way
Leading the others, that is me
I am the Officer guiding the three
I am the Firefighter, follow me
Into the flames is where I will be
I am he who battles the beast
To protect that on which it would feast
Leading strength to the others, that is me
I am the Fire Fighter supporting the three
I am the Medic, follow me
Easing the pain is where I will be
I am the one who helps them survive
Lifting the fallen to keep them alive
Treating the others, that is me
I am the Medic healing the three
I am the Dispatcher, don't follow me
Agony and chaos is where I will be
Working in obscurity, this forgotten place
Not death, but insanity is the danger I face
Answering the call, that is me
I am the Dispatcher protecting the Three
Author Unknown
Thought for the Day
You may know where you are and what you're doing,
And God may know where you are and what you're doing.
But if your dispatcher doesn't know where you are and what you're doing,
Then I hope you and God are on very good terms.
Oh so true!!!
Amazon Associates Disclosure
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Please be sure to sign my guestbook. Feel free to post your thoughts on both the poetry and the job. If you would like to share any dispatcher poems, post the link and I will be sure to get it added.
Dispatcher Poem Guestbook - Dispatchers Unite!
dispatchr53200 on April 12, 2014:
Love the poetry, some great reflections as well as humor! Will use one of them to send to all my coworkers for national telecommunicators week.
anonymous on May 01, 2013:
Found these today searching for good dispatcher phrases. Love them.
Cherylmarie66 on March 14, 2013:
Love them. Thank you.
Cherylmarie66 on March 14, 2013:
Love them. Thank you.
anonymous on March 11, 2013:
police dispatcher and I loved the poems!!!!!
anonymous on December 08, 2012:
SC Dispatcher... Thanks for the poems! We definitely do it for the love of the job and not the money!
anonymous on November 18, 2012:
I'm an ems dispatcher and love these poems.
anonymous on November 12, 2012:
Nice site, thanks all for posting, trying to get some ideas for a retired dispatcher who is very ill and in hospital. Dispatch / Supervisor - Alabama
anonymous on August 30, 2012:
As a dispatch supervisor I find these poems uplifting and true. After 15 years as a dispatcher/supervisor I have come to find that only others in our field know our true feelings, trials and unappreciativeness we receive. This is a career, not a paycheck just to do till you find something else.
anonymous on August 29, 2012:
All of this is so true... as I sit at my console and wait for the next frantic caller :)
anonymous on August 23, 2012:
These were much needed...so often we are the forgotten ones! Thanks so much for posting these!
anonymous on August 07, 2012:
Wow, these are awesome!
anonymous on July 13, 2012:
Wow. These are just.... Awful.
anonymous on June 28, 2012:
Hey y'all ... ! from Elizabethton, TN
Carter County E-911
anonymous on April 28, 2012:
LOVE IT ALL -- THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING
Tolemac on April 20, 2012:
As a former fire fighter, and dispatcher in the fire alarm room, I can relate highly to everything that you've written here. Thank you for allowing others to get a small glimpse into what we do (have done) on a daily basis. =)
Spokanewebdesig1 on April 14, 2012:
my father works as a supervisor of 911
anonymous on April 10, 2012:
Thanks for posting these poems....Helps to others feel the same way....Happy Telecommunication Week!!!
Stephanie (author) from DeFuniak Springs on April 02, 2012:
@anonymous: Thanks Leigh...looks like you are far from me! I'm a Walton County FL dispatcher...just across the AL! We actually get to talk to you guys every blue moon!
anonymous on April 01, 2012:
love them all!!!!! this really does give me a pick me up after a long day at dispatch in gadsden alabama!
anonymous on March 20, 2012:
I'm a dispatcher all the way from the Cayman Island and these poems help me remember that all around the world there are people like me who do what we do because people need us. Thanks so much.
anonymous on March 10, 2012:
Laramie County, Wyoming read your poems this morning! Thank you thank you thank you!
anonymous on January 28, 2012:
Springfield mass PD thank you for this.
anonymous on January 09, 2012:
Jason Duncan Fentress County 911. Thank you so much for sharing these. It really means a lot to read poems such as these.
anonymous on December 11, 2011:
Tara Hamlin Knox County SHeriffs Office and Knox County Ambulance Dispatcher Edina, MO
anonymous on December 01, 2011:
Awesome!!
anonymous on May 03, 2011:
Thanks for sharing the poems. Its nice to know Im not alone.
anonymous on March 28, 2011:
The poems are great! The everyday citizen doesn't have a clue as to what our job entails, but we know. Hats off to ALL dispatchers. May GOD continue to give us the courage and strength we so depend on to perform our jobs and keep sane. GOD bless all.
anonymous on March 02, 2011:
Thanks for sharing the poems, and to my fellow dispatchers, thank you for the job you do!
anonymous on January 31, 2011:
Great poems! They are so very true. Thank you to my fellow dispatchers
anonymous on January 25, 2011:
Great poems!
anonymous on December 04, 2010:
Dispatcher, Morgan Co E911, Wartburg, TN
I enjoyed reading the poems, they are sooo true!
anonymous on September 23, 2010:
Justin A. Webster Dispatcher @ Hardy County OEM/E9-1-1, Moorefield, WV.. Thanks to everyone who sits beside me night after night/ Day after Day and does what we do!!
VarietyWriter2 on June 05, 2010:
Blessed by a SquidAngel :)
anonymous on April 12, 2010:
To all the dispatchers....Thank you. We are never told enough how important our jobs are...family and friends may not always realize how we can go to work everyday not knowing if we are going to save a life or help a lost driver....but we love the job and that's why we do it. Happy National Telecommunicators Week to all....Thank your dispatchers today.
anonymous on March 28, 2009:
Jonesboro Police Department/Craighead County, AR.....E911 Dispatcher
anonymous on March 05, 2009:
Love the poems!! So true...so special!!
Crook County Sheriffs Office, WY / Dispatcher and 911 Operator
anonymous on March 04, 2009:
Coleman Police Department / 911 Dispatch
