BUCYRUS—Local dispatchers met at the Crawford County Common Pleas Courtroom on Tuesday afternoon for a course on “Dispatcher Court Training” presented by the Ohio Office of Traffic Safety and funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
According to Lt. Tom Walker of the Bucyrus Police Department, two dispatchers from his department, Tyler Auck and Rebecca Stoner, joined the others for the training session.
“Our dispatchers received this specialized training because they play such an important role in the overall function of the agency,” said Walker. “When the community calls for help, dispatchers quickly become the first step in criminal proceedings because they’re the first to speak with victims, suspects, and witnesses.”
Bucyrus Police Chief Neil Assenheimer said that he wants to ensure his personnel receives the best training possible to keep with the Bucyrus Police Department’s commitment to the community.
“When this class became available, he jumped at the chance to send our people,” said Walker.
To support his staff, Chief Assenheimer personally sat in on some of Tuesday’s training, which appeared to be well attended.
“Due to a general dislike for public speaking and a perceived atmosphere of confrontation, testifying in court can be a stressful process, even for seasoned law enforcement professionals,” said Assenheimer.
Walker said the department has a history of exceptional communications personnel, including the late Jerry Devol, Christine Baker, and Tommy Gantzler as well as retired dispatchers Joy McClarren, Stacy Russell and many more.
“Currently, BPD’s communications department is anchored by veterans Denise Young and Jenny Gerger, who are paving the path for Tyler Auck, Cindy Barth, and Rebecca Stoner,” said Walker.
The department is currently taking applications for full and part-time dispatchers. Application packets can be picked up at the Bucyrus Police Department, located at 500 S. Sandusky Avenue in the Bucyrus City Hall building, or online by clicking here.