Last week, students in Noel Garcia’s Law Enforcement program at Wilson Talent Center explored a critical—but often unseen—corner of public safety: 911 emergency communications.
Missy Harris from Ingham County 911 led an engaging session that broke down the essential duties of dispatchers, the tools and technology used to save lives, and the career pathways available in this high-impact field. Students learned how dispatchers serve both the public and first responders, and how communication platforms like Smart911 and what3words can enhance emergency response.
The presentation offered a glimpse into:
The real-time decisions made during emergencies
The skills needed for calm, clear communication
Training and hiring processes
The lasting impact of this vital role
Missy also encouraged interested students to consider job shadow opportunities—making it clear that the next generation of emergency professionals starts here.
We’re grateful to all dispatchers and first responders for their commitment to safety, and to Missy for sharing her time and passion with students.
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