Introducing...me!

Hello everyone, I've been a police dispatcher for 16 years in Chicago,IL. At this point, I know that I need to do SOMETHING but not really sure where to begin. I've made a reservation to attend a seminar this Saturday and will hopefully be taking steps in the right direction, whatever that might be! I'm looking forward to hearing from other folks and would appreciate any guidance you can offer.

Hi Paula, I'm just starting out too. I can't believe I stumbled onto this dispatcher msg board. Who knew there was a place us dispatchers could go to chat? Good luck at your seminar this weekend, I hope you learn some useful/helpful info. Although there are many folks on here with differing opinions, for me, I'm leaning towards the Lap Band surgery. Hope to hear from you soon!! Take care, Mary Ann

Hi Mary Ann, Thanks for your reply to my post. I am also really impressed with the folks here It's a great support for those of us who are just starting the process...lots of encouragement from those who have already been there. The seminar was very informative and I even made my 1st appointment to start the process. Sooooo...I am on my way!! Keep us posted on your journey as well..hope to hear from you soon. Paula

Hi there!!!! Glad to have you on board......... I wish you the best in your journey. It just gets more exciting from here. Pam B.

Thanks Pam, It really is exciting...but a lot of information to process...but then again, we dispatchers are well-versed in multi-tasking I look forward to hearing from you. Any suggestions or guidance are welcome! thanks again, Paula

Hi Paula - Welcome to the board. Boy - a lot of dispatchers checking in here lately. We've all obviously become victims of the dispatcher spread! You've made the right step to go to the seminar. That is the best way to become informed about this surgery - I wish you the best! So how is dispatching up in Chicago? I have an online friend in Carol Stream - she used to live in Chicago before they decided to have a family. I have only been there in lay-overs at O'Hare but always wanted to get out and explore every time we've layed over there. Of course, who doesn't want to go to the Oprah show too? (Of course the minute I say that everyone will pipe up and blast me for it!) I actually looked into dispatching in that area because I have this urge to move to an area where there are 4 definite seasons and some prettier fall colors. That and history older than a century would be nice. Dina

Hi Dina Great to hear from you! Chicago is definitely a fun city and you should try to visit if you get an opportunity. I won't blast you about wanting to go to Oprah! her studios are a short distance from our 911 Center (not that I've ever been invited over...I wouldn't mind tickets to the "favorite things" show or one where she gives away cars!) As far as the seasons in Chicago..I think we only have 2 of them...WINTER and CONSTRUCTION I'm always saying that I would like to move to a warmer climate if I could (hmmmm, Hawaii) but I doubt I would ever actually do it. Dispatching for Chicago PD is a lot different from when I worked in the suburbs...some parts better, some not. It is definitely a lot busier than I could have ever imagined. I work on the 1s****ch, 2130-0600hrs and I would have to say it is the best..we have the best supervisors and a lot of really good dispatchers on our watch. I also suffer from "dispatcher spread"...after all, the most important decision on our shift is, "what are we having for lunch?" But I have made my 1st appointment to get things started. A step in the right direction... Thanks again, and I hope to hear from you soon! Paula