NCC Announces Emergency Dispatch Academy Graduates
“When you dial 911, you expect the person who answers to be well-prepared to connect you to help during a critical time,” Olivia Moss, Nash Community College Emergency Management Services Department Chair said. “We take our job training emergency dispatchers very seriously. They must be knowledgeable and confident to respond swiftly when every second counts.”
Nash Community College, in conjunction with Nash County Emergency Services, announced Thursday, November 19, 2020 five individuals are now prepared to fill the important role of emergency dispatcher following the completion of the college’s Emergency Dispatch Academy. Congratulations to Taylor Baker, Stephanie Bobbitt, Misty Cockrell, Tara Haines and Dana Kalafut.
Emergency dispatchers are responsible for transmitting, decoding and prioritizing emergency and non-emergency messages for law enforcement, fire and rescue for first responders. On average, emergency dispatchers in North Carolina earn an annual salary of approximately $40,000. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is anticipated to grow faster than the average for all occupations.
NCC’s Emergency Dispatch Academy features lectures, hands-on learning with a dispatch console, opportunities to participate in real-life scenarios while learning essential techniques in multi-tasking, written assessments, 24 hours of clinical time with a Telecommunication agency, and a comprehensive final exam.
To qualify to take the course, students must hold a High School Diploma or equivalency and successfully complete a reading comprehension placement test prior to taking the class.
The next Emergency Dispatch Academy will be offered February 2 – May 20 from 6 PM – 10 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The cost is $186.25. Email lncarpenter329@nashcc.edu or call 252-428-7347 for more information.
Pictured above, from left: Instructor Mark Reavis, Dana Kalafut, Stephanie Bobbitt, Taylor Baker, Misty Cockrell, Tara Haines and Instructor Melissa Bobbitt.
