For a recent “homework” assignment for Leadership La Plata, I did a “sit in” with one of the dispatchers for the Durango-La Plata Emergency Communications Center. The center dispatches for the following agencies: Animal Protection, Bayfield Marshall, Durango Fire and Rescue Authority, Durango Police Department, Fort Lewis College Police, Fort Lewis Mesa Fire Protection District, La Plata County Sheriff and the Upper Pine River Fire Protection District. It is directed by Phil Campbell. This letter pays tribute to the people that keep La Plata County agencies in constant communication for our safety.

It was a midweek, midday shift. I assumed it would be quiet – wrong! Three of the four consoles were running, each console has six screens and technology requiring all four human limbs, both ears and a multi-tasking brain beyond compare. The action was intense and constant. To mention a few issues: an injured cat, report from a neighbor concerned about reaching an invalid neighbor, loitering/panhandling report, restraining order infringement, credit card fraud, and to top it off, a three-day missing 16-year-old girl who was running from danger – later to be assisted to safety by an officer thanks to the dispatcher.

I share the experience out of amazement and gratitude. At one point, all three dispatchers were fully engaged; one sneezed and another one, with a third ear in the back of her head, stopped for a split second and said “bless you!” Well I say, bless them all!

Kathleen Adams

Durango