Staff at Lincoln Emergency Communications Center are the first voice one hears in some of their worst moments imaginable. Now, for the first time in two decades, that center is fully staffed with telecommunicators ready to serve the community.
Filling in the remaining spots earlier this week were the seven latest graduates of the Lincoln police department’s seven week long telecommunications academy. Those recruits earned their spots after spending nearly two months learning skills like instructing someone to give CPR knowing local geography down to the street name, all to better assist those they can only hear.
“Each and every day it’s the reality that we’re taking calls,” Matthew Harwell, who leads training for recruits and has seen around two dozen graduate in the past nine months, said. “We’re directing radio traffic. That makes a difference in the lives of the citizens of Lincoln and Lancaster County.
For those like graduate Jacob Zeleny, a Texas native, it’s being a source of calm and comfort to those in his community that inspired him to answer this call, and soon, answer countless more
“I’m the first person that hears what they’re going through,” Zeleny said. “And will be the first voice they get to hear rather than however long a call for service takes to reach them. It’s what some people would say is a big job, but I have a lot of pride in it because I like to serve people.
Those with the LECC say that a full staff of over 62 employees, will both strengthen the support staff is able to provide community members in need and one another.
“A word that come to mind is support,” Harwell said. “The support we have for our team members, to continue to lessen some of the needs for things like overtime, but at the same time it’s the support ewe can give to the community. The fact that there is someone always there to answer.”
