Also, I feel like I could really pull off that uniform. I look great in a nice pair of slacks.
So as part of my Emergency Dispatch training, my supervisor and trainer suggested that I try to see all aspects of the Sheriff's Department in order to be able to fully grasp what's truly important in dispatch situations and what is not. One of these aspects included a ride-along with a Deputy.
Let me say this: The department I work for is awesome. From the Chief to the Dispatch Supervisor to the guys on the road (with the slim exception of the guy who thinks that because I'm a girl, I must be an idiot and therefore need the definition of "armed and dangerous" explained to me, as well as the difference between a boat and an ATV), everyone is great. The job is great. Totally overwhelming at first - I had that small week-long window of panic where I felt completely out of my element and totally not smart and felt pretty much like I was going to be the worst dispatcher in the entire world, until my supervisor took me aside and told me that even the Armed & Dangerous guy told her that I was exceeding expectations (I don't know how much of a compliment that is from someone who obviously thinks you're a moron, but I must have impressed him with my effortless skill of being able to walk and talk at the same time). So I was pretty psyched for a shift on the road with one of our deputies. I was prepared for it to be kind of boring - me just sitting there while the guy ran a lot of traffic stops (granted, that's what I was there for, so I could understand why it was imperative to get the information back quickly. Nobody likes getting pulled over and having to wait 15 minutes while the cop sits in his vehicle and writes you a ticket. I mean, I have no idea how that feels, since my driving record is absolutely stellar and I've never been in trouble with the law, ever).
But within five minutes of our shift, we were flying down the road, lights and sirens blaring. Major drama followed. I was pretty excited to be the one to spot the suspect trying to make his way to what was obviously his getaway driver (hint: it looks a little suspicious when you back into a parking spot for no apparent reason, and only halfway so you can keep a full view on the squad cars across the lot). Which now means the A in Amber obviously stands for A-1 Crackerjack Detective.
After that, the night continued on with two arrests, two jail bookings, mediating between two bickering moms who "just can't handle the stupid drama any more", a couple traffic stops, some life lessons in DNR jurisdiction and fire regulations, and and a illegal fire that turned out to be a giant pumpkin. It was pretty fun. I doubt that a career as a sheriff is in my future (I would have a hard time being the guy who was completely ruining your day by pulling you over), but I still fully enjoyed singing this song under my breath during my alone time in the squad car.
Let me say this: The department I work for is awesome. From the Chief to the Dispatch Supervisor to the guys on the road (with the slim exception of the guy who thinks that because I'm a girl, I must be an idiot and therefore need the definition of "armed and dangerous" explained to me, as well as the difference between a boat and an ATV), everyone is great. The job is great. Totally overwhelming at first - I had that small week-long window of panic where I felt completely out of my element and totally not smart and felt pretty much like I was going to be the worst dispatcher in the entire world, until my supervisor took me aside and told me that even the Armed & Dangerous guy told her that I was exceeding expectations (I don't know how much of a compliment that is from someone who obviously thinks you're a moron, but I must have impressed him with my effortless skill of being able to walk and talk at the same time). So I was pretty psyched for a shift on the road with one of our deputies. I was prepared for it to be kind of boring - me just sitting there while the guy ran a lot of traffic stops (granted, that's what I was there for, so I could understand why it was imperative to get the information back quickly. Nobody likes getting pulled over and having to wait 15 minutes while the cop sits in his vehicle and writes you a ticket. I mean, I have no idea how that feels, since my driving record is absolutely stellar and I've never been in trouble with the law, ever).
But within five minutes of our shift, we were flying down the road, lights and sirens blaring. Major drama followed. I was pretty excited to be the one to spot the suspect trying to make his way to what was obviously his getaway driver (hint: it looks a little suspicious when you back into a parking spot for no apparent reason, and only halfway so you can keep a full view on the squad cars across the lot). Which now means the A in Amber obviously stands for A-1 Crackerjack Detective.
After that, the night continued on with two arrests, two jail bookings, mediating between two bickering moms who "just can't handle the stupid drama any more", a couple traffic stops, some life lessons in DNR jurisdiction and fire regulations, and and a illegal fire that turned out to be a giant pumpkin. It was pretty fun. I doubt that a career as a sheriff is in my future (I would have a hard time being the guy who was completely ruining your day by pulling you over), but I still fully enjoyed singing this song under my breath during my alone time in the squad car.
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