The U.S. House of Representatives today approved a bill to correct the federal government’s occupational classification of 9-1-1 professionals and accurately recognize them as an essential part of the public safety community.

Research posted in the Journal of Traumatic Stress in 2012 shows more than 30 percent of dispatchers experience high levels of stress after major calls, and links some of it to a lack of closure.

Lawmakers in Washington, D.C. are considering a bill to change the classification of 911 operators, a move dispatchers say would be a positive change in a stressful field.

When Meghan Dunleavy emailed Berkeley County on July 1 to resign as an emergency dispatcher, she also expressed concern, writing that she was getting away from a “toxic” work environment.

The 911 Supporting Accurate Views of Emergency Services Act (911 Saves Act) sponsored by Reps. Norma Torres and Brian Fitzpatrick would direct the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to reclassify 9-1-1 telecommunicators and dispatchers in the federal government’s Standard Occupation Classification (SOC) System.

A convenience store clerk shot in a robbery Wednesday night was likely saved by the actions of a Bellmead dispatcher who help lead Waco police to the injured man.

The salary for the position starts at more than $38,000. The application process closes on Aug. 5.

Toronto Police have once again had to reiterate that 9-1-1 is only for emergencies, following a number of calls from people complaining about this morning’s Amber Alert notification.

Gov. Greg Abbott recently signed House Bill 1090 that states dispatchers are now considered first responders.

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