California bill adds dispatchers as first responders

California lawmakers recently joined public safety dispatchers from across the state in celebrating a bill classifying those in the vocation as first responders.

California State Assemblymember Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield) said Assembly Bill 1945 (AB 1945) recognizes the work of public safety dispatchers by classifying them as first responders, noting the federal government presently describes dispatchers as an administrative occupation.

Supporters of the measure indicated the federal classification does not accurately describe the work of dispatchers, who they said undergo extensive training, with their work meaning the difference between life and death.

“It is an honor to officially recognize the incredible work of our public safety dispatchers,” Salas said of the legislation, which he said was the idea of a local dispatcher from Kings County, Maribel Stinson, who emailed Salas suggesting the potential bill. “Dispatchers are vital to keeping our communities safe. When a hostage taker or a suicidal person calls 9-1-1, the first individual they speak with is often a dispatcher whose negotiation skills can save lives. I want to thank Ms. Stinson for contacting me with this idea. Her life-saving in the community was the start of AB 1945, which ensure that brave women and men who are working as dispatchers are properly acknowledged for their work.”

Public safety dispatchers or public safety telecommunicators play a vital role in emergency response, routinely communicating with individuals in great distress, harm, fear, or injury, including during active shooter situations.