State 911 dispatchers talk about mental health toll

When you see people experiencing trauma, it can affect your mental health. So, imagine what it must be like to have to talk somebody through those experiences as part of your job. That’s what 911 dispatchers do every day, and it can take its toll. Seventeen years ago, Brandy Dahlin’s former boss recruited her to work at the State Radio Communication Department after seeing her work as a waitress. She said he was impressed by her ability to remember customers’ orders without writing anything down— a useful skill for a dispatcher. But that skill didn’t necessarily prepare her for the emotional toll that being a first responder can take. She cites a particularly stressful day when she had to help a woman who had pulled over on the side of the road to give her husband CPR.
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Minot Fire Department requests new fire truck engine

The Minot Fire Department is looking to replace one of its engines. Fire Chief Kelli Kronschnabel told the City Council earlier this week that the cost to replace the kind they’re looking at is $800,000 or more. She said that because of the expense, the department is focusing on getting a used fire truck instead which would cost between $200,000 and $400,000. A consultant report on the fire department indicated that adding an engine was a high priority. Council member Stephen Podrygula said he would’ve preferred a new truck in the best condition, but its delivery takes two to three years. “We can’t wait two years. That’s just not acceptable, so I’m going to be supporting this and encouraging this, as recommended by the chief and in the report, to do more proactive planning in terms of replacing these on a rotating basis so we have fresh equipment available,” said Podrygula.
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