We know that local fire, EMS and police departments across the nation are experiencing difficulty recruiting. The problem is especially troubling in rural areas.

It also extends right down to the people who take those emergency calls, and Oswego County 911 is asking you to consider becoming a telecommunicator.

“I knew I wanted to be in some kind of first responder role, and I decided that I think I’d like this route,” said Jolene Zaia, an Oswego County 911 telecommunicator.

Zaia says being an operator at Oswego County’s 911 call center can be emotionally challenging.

“Not being able to always see what the outcome is, you have to remember that it’s a job and you’re helping people and sometimes the outcome isn’t great,” she said.

But she emphasizes that those challenges are worth it because of the rewards.

“Just hearing people say thank you,” she said. “When you hear the responders get there and then you just hear the relief in their voice.”

Kevin Pooley runs the call center in Oswego, he says there’s a desperate need for people like Zaia.

“Call volume has drastically increased since COVID,” he said. “We’re a lot busier than we’ve ever been, with less people than we’ve had before.”

While the number of operators drops, so does the number of people seeking out the position.

What You Need To Know

  • We know that local fire, EMS and police departments across the nation are experiencing difficulty recruiting. The problem is especially troubling in rural areas

  • The problem also extends right down to the people who take those emergency calls, and Oswego County 911 is asking you to consider becoming a telecommunicator

  • If you’re interested, you have until this Friday, January 20 to sign up for the exam which will take place February 25

  • You can find more information on Oswego County 911’s Facebook page

“It’s a challenge across the state,” he said “The number of people taking the test is way down.”

So they’re pushing to recruit, and hoping you will consider taking the exam and coming aboard.

“We’re looking for a wide variety of people,” he said. “The big thing is customer service, we’re looking for people who are worried about providing the best customer care as possible.”

Customer service that Zaia says connects you to the community, and just might save a life.

“I don’t know who they don’t know who you are on the other at the phone, but you kind of get a slight glimpse into their life and if it’s just for a second getting to help them, at least you’re helping them a little bit”

If you’re interested, you have until this Friday, January 20 to sign up for the exam which will take place February 25. You can find more information on Oswego County 911’s Facebook page.