A federal bill is being considered in the House to reclassify 911 dispatchers as first responders, a change that has been proposed multiple times over the last few years. Currently classified as clerks by federal labor laws, this creates issues for 911 Centers across the country. Mike Hubbs, the director of Hamilton County Public Safety Communications, supports the 911 SAVES Act, which aims to recognize the lifesaving work performed by dispatchers. The bill would provide dispatchers with benefits such as 12-hour rotating shifts without losing pay and access to resources after traumatic incidents.
Hubbs, a former police officer, emphasizes the importance of dispatchers and advocates for the change in classification. In Hamilton County, dispatchers prefer 12-hour shifts, but current labor laws prevent them from getting full-time pay if they only work three shifts a week.
While Indiana state law recognizes 911 dispatchers as first responders, the federal government has yet to make the change. Hubbs actively advocates for this reclassification and has received support from Indiana representatives in Congress. He believes that recognizing dispatchers as first responders is crucial as they play a vital role in emergency response, ensuring that essential services are dispatched promptly.
Advocates argue that reclassifying 911 dispatchers will not only provide them with fair benefits and compensation but also acknowledge the critical role they play in public safety. Hubbs continues to push for this change in Washington, D.C., with the hope of finally granting dispatchers the recognition and support they deserve.
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