EVERYDAY HERO

When an emergency takes place in Washington County, a dispatcher is the first line of response for those in need.

Melanie Huschka has been a dispatcher for 20 years. She was born and raised in Washington County.

She saw an ad in the newspaper and decided to try it out. At first she worked night and evening shifts, but for the last eight years she has been a day dispatcher. She currently works 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Huschka said each day is unknown.

'Every day is a little different, could be more challenging or stressful than others,” Huschka said. Some people may think holidays, bad weather or a full moon may impact the frequency and quantity of calls, but Huschka said it is never known.

Whether it is helping with a vehicle unlock to coaching someone through CPR, Huschka said the work is rewarding.

All emergency and non-emergency calls go to the communications center. Fire, police, ambulance and animal calls are examples of what Huschka deals with.

Before becoming a dispatcher Huschka said she didn't realize the variety of calls received each day.

The dispatchers set off the severe weather sirens and notify the state Department of Transportation about downed signs or bad roads, Huschka said.

Hysterical callers are the most challenging.

'They want help sent right now and don't want to answer any questions that help us help the responders,” Huschka said.

The calls that stand out to dispatchers are anything involving children.

COVID-19 has added additional questions for dispatchers to ask, especially if an officer is going to have direct contact with the individual, Huschka said.

When the first responders arrive on scene and the caller hangs up, Huschka is not usually left wondering what happened. Police dispositions give dispatchers an overview of what took place and how the situation was resolved.

Huschka has one goal she hopes to fulfill in her time as a dispatcher: help deliver a baby.

– Caitlin Yamada