Dispatcher Takes Heat For Rude Comment

Fire officials in Honolulu (Hi.) say a veteran dispatcher’s profane remark to a 911 caller is unacceptable, but have not said if he will be disciplined. The caller was reporting a horrific explosion and fire inside an underground storage bunker where federal officials had stored confiscated fireworks. Five contract workers died when the fireworks ignited as they were destroying them, apparently by submerging them in diesel fuel. The dispatcher asked the caller several times what was burning, and apparently did not understand that an explosion had occurred. “Don’t you hear it, oh my God,” the caller said. The dispatcher replied, “Okay, I cannot hear fire sir calm down. Calm down sir let me help you you’re not making it any easier.” The caller then said in audible frustration, “I can’t believe this is (expletive) happening to me! Oh my God! Oh my God!” The dispatcher then said, “What a (expletive) idiot.” Fire Capt. Terry Seelig said the dispatcher,” is very upset at himself and how this was done.” Read more of the call transcript here.