My name is George Hoppe, and I am a proud member of the FAIRFAX COUNTY PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS & PARAMEDICS, IAFF LOCAL 2068. I have served as a 911 dispatcher for six years, during which I have handled countless critical calls, including many that are difficult to forget.
Over the years, I have witnessed the profound impact of trauma on my colleagues. Some have left the profession entirely, while others have taken extended absences due to the emotional toll of high-stress calls. Inadequate mental health support exacerbates these challenges, contributing to staffing shortages and increased wait times for 911 services. Burnout and compassion fatigue affect the quality of emergency response and take a significant toll on personal lives.
911 dispatchers are often referred to as the "first of the first responders." We are the initial point of contact in emergencies, tasked with determining the nature of the incident, identifying those involved, and pinpointing the location. Simultaneously, we process and relay critical information, such as warrant checks and responder safety details, all while maintaining composure under pressure.
One of our most critical responsibilities is providing life-saving medical guidance over the phone. I have assisted with childbirth and guided a caller through resuscitating a choking child. While these moments are victories, there are also profound tragedies. I will never forget the sound of a woman going agonal while unable to provide her address or the screams of a parent whose infant was not breathing.
Suicide is another difficult reality we face far too often. Whether speaking with someone actively attempting suicide or providing support to a distraught family member, the emotional burden is immense. I have talked individuals down from suicide, but not every call ends positively. A colleague once tried to de-escalate a situation with an older man armed with a handgun, only to hear the gunshot over the radio. Despite her dedication, the emotional toll of that call was evident when she returned to work the next day, no longer the vibrant person we knew.
As a trained crisis negotiator, I have de-escalated situations involving individuals armed with weapons, helping them get the care they need safely. I have spoken with a drunk driver heading the wrong way on a highway and frequently interact with emotionally disturbed individuals, striving to connect with them in moments of crisis.
The stressors of this profession extend beyond phone calls. Dispatchers must often hold emergency calls due to insufficient resources, alert officers to immediate threats, or respond to mayday calls from firefighters. Listening to radio traffic from real-life events underscores the immense pressure telecommunicators face—pressure that stays with them long after the event.
Despite these challenges, I am deeply passionate about my work and committed to serving in this role for the rest of my career. However, we need your support to ensure we can continue to provide critical assistance to those experiencing the worst moments of their lives. Please support this legislation to strengthen resources and care for 911 telecommunicators.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
My name is George Hoppe, and I am a proud member of the FAIRFAX COUNTY PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS & PARAMEDICS, IAFF LOCAL 2068. I have served as a 911 dispatcher for six years, during which I have handled countless critical calls, including many that are difficult to forget. Over the years, I have witnessed the profound impact of trauma on my colleagues. Some have left the profession entirely, while others have taken extended absences due to the emotional toll of high-stress calls. Inadequate mental health support exacerbates these challenges, contributing to staffing shortages and increased wait times for 911 services. Burnout and compassion fatigue affect the quality of emergency response and take a significant toll on personal lives. 911 dispatchers are often referred to as the "first of the first responders." We are the initial point of contact in emergencies, tasked with determining the nature of the incident, identifying those involved, and pinpointing the location. Simultaneously, we process and relay critical information, such as warrant checks and responder safety details, all while maintaining composure under pressure. One of our most critical responsibilities is providing life-saving medical guidance over the phone. I have assisted with childbirth and guided a caller through resuscitating a choking child. While these moments are victories, there are also profound tragedies. I will never forget the sound of a woman going agonal while unable to provide her address or the screams of a parent whose infant was not breathing. Suicide is another difficult reality we face far too often. Whether speaking with someone actively attempting suicide or providing support to a distraught family member, the emotional burden is immense. I have talked individuals down from suicide, but not every call ends positively. A colleague once tried to de-escalate a situation with an older man armed with a handgun, only to hear the gunshot over the radio. Despite her dedication, the emotional toll of that call was evident when she returned to work the next day, no longer the vibrant person we knew. As a trained crisis negotiator, I have de-escalated situations involving individuals armed with weapons, helping them get the care they need safely. I have spoken with a drunk driver heading the wrong way on a highway and frequently interact with emotionally disturbed individuals, striving to connect with them in moments of crisis. The stressors of this profession extend beyond phone calls. Dispatchers must often hold emergency calls due to insufficient resources, alert officers to immediate threats, or respond to mayday calls from firefighters. Listening to radio traffic from real-life events underscores the immense pressure telecommunicators face—pressure that stays with them long after the event. Despite these challenges, I am deeply passionate about my work and committed to serving in this role for the rest of my career. However, we need your support to ensure we can continue to provide critical assistance to those experiencing the worst moments of their lives. Please support this legislation to strengthen resources and care for 911 telecommunicators. Thank you for your time and consideration.