It's National Dispatcher's Week! Hug a Dispatcher :) #ndw

Dispatchers are always heard, never seen. They're hard workers and the unsung heroes of police, fire, and first responders. If you have an opportunity, tour a PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) where dispatchers work, offer them a hung, or just say "thank you." It means a lot.

Surprisingly, 911 is only 46 years old. Bob Fitzgerald first implemented it in 1968 in Haleyville, Alabama. Since then, it took until about the mid 1980's for the system to be implemented nationwide.

Patricia Anderson out of Contra Costa County, CA, Sheriff's Dept. in 1982, conceived national Dispatchers week. In 1991, Congress first declared National Dispatcher and President George H.W. Bush signed the first proclamation.

For the most part, I enjoy being a dispatcher and assisting people get the help they need. Dispatchers are staffed 24/7 and I've worked all watches. That can take a lot out of you physically (especially your sleep) and mentally. I've heard all kinds of calls, so I thought I'd share a few with you:

NOTE: Before you call 911, keep this mind: does my issue warrant a 911 call and a police response? Remember 911 is for emergencies, not your loud party.

Drumroll please….

Don't call the police if you want a refund from your drug dealer. (yes, I've gotten several calls like this)

Don't call if you're lonely.

Don't call to complain about your parents (not letting you leave the house) or on your kids 12 and under who are refusing to listen to you.

Don't call to say you locked yourself in your car.

Don't call to complain about your fast food order, sandwich, nuggets, or coffee. Instead complain to the company's district manager, cooperate headquarters, or better business bureau.

I found a great dispatcher's board on Pinterest I thought I'd share: Dispatcher's Rule the World.

http://www.pinterest.com/dawn911/dispatchers-rule-the-world/

Have a good chuckle over some of the things people call 911 for, but if you have a chance, thank a dispatcher this week, offer them a hung, or send your nearest dispatch center a card. It means a lot.

Question for you: Have you ever called 911?

Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. She's also a published author with Desert Breeze Publishing, 4RV Publishing, and Victory Tales Press. She enjoys chocolate, adores coffee and likes taking long walks. Currently, she's signed up to Walk for Alzheimer's on 20 SEP in Santa Clarita, CA. If you'd like to donate visit http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2014/CA-CaliforniaSouthland?team_id=204372&pg=team&fr_id=4950

DARK SHADOW: Set in the distant future, can Helios save the Borealis from a deadly biological weapon or will Vivian get in his way?

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:

Helios drew close. Impulse took over. His lips skirted hers. His warm breath and spicy scent made her feel protected. Vivian leaned against him. Her lips brushed against his. He tasted of honey and berries -- and chocolate. The seductive sample he offered fueled her body, urging her to savor and enjoy.

She placed her palms flat against his muscled chest and her heart skipped a beat. She never felt so safe, so wanted.

Then reality struck. This was only a moment. She wasn't TPP or a rebel. Her home was here with Sally and Korn. Adonis sounded like he wanted more than she could offer, and Benares was not going to ruin her life again.

Reviews:

B+, Words of Wisdom from the Scarf Princess

"Ms. Burkhart vividly depicts this gritty sci-fi world and all its wonders."  

4 Stars, Rose, Long & Short Reviews

"The characters are well drawn and likeable. I especially liked Sally the Spine cat."

"Full of action from the very beginning." Brooke Blogs

"Well written." Wicked Readings by Tawania

BUY LINKS FOR THE DARK SHADOW:

PUBLISHER'S SITE

http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/borealis-xiv-dark-shadows/

AMAZON KINDLE:

http://amzn.com/B00GTB9C3A

BARNES & NOBLE NOOK:

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ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:

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SONY EBOOKS:

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