Public safety dispatchers may not be out in public, but they are the first line of defense for first responders in the battle against Covid-19.
When they answer 911 calls, they ask not only about the nature of the caller's emergency, but they also ask questions to determine whether police, fire, and ambulance personnel need to take extra precautions and don the proper personal protective equipment as they head out to aid those in distress.
"They are tasked with tremendous responsibility, as always, but now more than ever," said East Hampton Town Police Chief Michael Sarlo, who oversees the dispatchers for his department. "We need more information from callers, so our officers know what they are responding to and are prepared; as well as gathering more information so that officers may handle certain complaints over the phone."
Dispatchers across the country are sitting as far apart as equipment allows, but are also wearing masks. The town police dispatching room, at headquarters in Wainscott, has been closed off to all other personnel. Workstations are sanitized multiple times per shift.
"With close quarters, and limited personnel, it is vital to the department we protect them as best we can. They are our lifeline, and have stepped up tremendously. We are grateful for their professionalism," Chief Sarlo said.
East Hampton Village Police Chief Mike Tracey, who oversees the Emergency Communications Department, which dispatches calls for the East Hampton Village and Sag Harbor Village Police Departments and all of the fire and ambulance agencies that serve East Hampton Town residents, except one, agreed that the dispatchers are a dedicated group.
From March 12 to Monday, they have fielded 52 calls for ambulance services that met the criteria for possible Covid-19 screening. Overall call volume appears to be down, though dispatchers have taken a number of calls from people complaining about large groups or people ignoring the governor's orders for social distancing or for non-essential businesses to shut down.
They are "managing all as normal even though the stress level is raised. They do an incredible job," he said.
J.P. Foster, who is the supervisor for the village dispatchers, said staff have been given masks and they are taking necessary precautions while on the job. "We are fortunate to have a nice work environment and overall separation is not an issue," he said.
"Our supervisors and staff have been extremely helpful and professional and I truly can't thank them enough," he said. "I will hit my 30th anniversary next month and have seen many things, but this is a first," he said of the pandemic.
Southampton Town police called dispatchers "the first of our first responders," in a statement last week. "Even though they are not responding to calls, they too are maintaining social distance and wearing protective equipment to ensure that they remain healthy and ready to handle any emergency situation."
The village and town police have been working hand in hand, even though they are in different buildings. "We are in regular contact, reviewing changing protocols, ensuring information is shared properly, and working together to ensure officer safety and adequate and accurate information is shared with the public," Chief Sarlo said.
