Dispatcher Shortage

There’s a shortage of qualified candidates for the position of public safety dispatcher in San Bernardino (Calif.), forcing agencies to offer up to $16,000 in incentive bonuses for those who stay for five years. A newspaper article details the stress and working conditions of the job that often discourages potential applicants. Read the story here. Another newspaper story details the highest and lowest-paid dispatchers in Maryland, ranging from $22,110 in Wicomico County to $36,712 in Calvert County. Of the lowest paid, the story said, “The poor salaries are contributing to high stress, low morale and persistent overtime that is burning out loyal veterans who are the backbone of the department, said county fire and emergency officials. This is leading to a 30 percent shortfall in the department with five vacant positions in a department of 18.” Read the full story here.