JOURNAL
SUBMIT A STORY

Journal: Submit a Story

Dear Journal Reader:

The National Academies of Emergency Dispatch publication, Journal of Emergency Dispatch, wants your stories in our columns dedicated to emergency communications workers. What you do is the stuff our readers want to hear about, and tell to their friends and families. That's why we've introduced three departments that, we think, our readers will turn to first when receiving their Journal. It's your opportunity to meet others from your profession without leaving town.

"Everyday Heroes"

This short 'n' sweet department will profile dispatchers. To have your picture and brief story displayed, e-mail us and include:

"Everyday Heroes" in the subject line
Your first and last name
The name of your call center
The city and state of your residence
The number of years you've been dispatching
A high-resolution close-up photo that's at least 300 DPI and 5x7 inches
A one- or two-sentence thought about dispatching or your experience on the job

As for your quote, it can be any interesting and positive tidbit about your job experience, including how you got into dispatching, pleasant surprises you've discovered about this line of work, the biggest lesson you've learned from dispatching, job goals you've set for yourself, or what's so great about the co-workers at the place where you work.

"My Call from Hell"

In approximately 500 words, tell us about the call that stays with you no matter how much time has gone by. We're not looking for mean-spirited tirades about callers, but heartfelt calls that for whatever reason makes this call memorable despite the horrific situation. What was the call about? How did it make you feel? How did you deal with it? What could've been done differently by you, the caller, a bystander, or someone else to improve the ordeal?

When you e-mail your submission, also include:

"My Call from Hell" in the subject line
Your first and last name
The name of your call center
The city and state of your residence
The number of years you've been dispatching
A high-resolution close-up photo that's at least 300 DPI and 5x7 inches

"Unforgettable"

This department chronicles the call that eclipsed all the other tedious, terrifying, and heart-rending calls you've handled, changing your life and touching you in ways you'll never forget. This is different from the Call from Hell, which hangs on because of those pangs of discomfort or disquiet long after the call. These calls leave you grateful or just plain convinced about the choices you made. Shoot for 500 words.

When you e-mail your submission, include:

"Unforgettable" in the subject line
Your first and last name
The name of your call center
The city and state of your residence
The number of years you've been dispatching
A high-resolution close-up photo that's at least 300 DPI and 5x7 inches