When people think of emergency services, most people think of police, fire, and EMTs but there’s one position that makes the whole system go: 911 dispatcher.
Debra Elmore held that job for 25 years for Attala County and the City of Kosciusko.
“I always wanted to dispatch, but there wasn’t an opening, so I applied for a secretary job and I got it,” said Elmore.
As secretary however, Elmore did get dispatch experience, filling in for other dispatchers when they would take a break.
When RJ Adams took over his first stint as Chief of Police , Elmore made the move over to dispatcher permanently.
Elmore said the job as dispatchers requires a lot of multitasking.
“You have to have the ability to talk to two or three people at the same time and keep everything straight.”
And while most people think of 911 calls as fires or car wrecks, a different kind of call usually came in while Elmore was on duty.
“You can guarantee if I was there, somebody was going to have a baby. I have delivered so many babies over the phone.”
Elmore’s last day on working as a dispatcher was June 28.
“The last 25 years has been a ride…a wild one. I’m so honored to have served the city of Kosciusko and Attala County.”
Hear more from Elmore in the audio link below.
Audio: Debra Elmore visits The BreckFast Show
Diane Sills
June 29, 2023 at 11:51 AMCongratulations Ms Debra!!
Debra Elmore
July 6, 2023 at 5:31 AMThank you Danny!
Mrs. Armstrong
June 29, 2023 at 2:03 PMCongratulations Debra. Enjoy your retirement
Nana
June 29, 2023 at 2:15 PMYour job was a crucial one!!! Truly a first responder!! Congratulations on a job well done and to your future in retirement.
Gina
June 29, 2023 at 4:12 PMSure am going to miss you
Linda Rone
June 29, 2023 at 5:35 PMCongratulations, on a job very well done. I always knew you that if you answered the phone my problem would be solved. Thank you for your hard work. I hope you have a wonderful retirement!!!
hattie hayes
June 29, 2023 at 5:44 PMCONGRATULATIONS .
Barbara Collins-Romero
June 29, 2023 at 6:38 PMThanks for always being a calming voice and force for others during their time of need. Well done.
Mary Clark
June 29, 2023 at 6:57 PMAwesome job Debra Elmore 💕
Betty Collins
June 29, 2023 at 7:24 PMCongrats Ms. Deb! You have embodied kindness, compassion, and grace for 25 years!! The City of KO was blessed. Your sister!!
Elena
June 30, 2023 at 11:13 AMMuch Aloha Ms Deb!
So proud of you and your accomplishments! Enjoy this new chapter!
Ms Betty and I will be right behind you so we can relax and enjoy!
All our best- Elena (LAPD)
Dea Thomas
June 30, 2023 at 2:46 PMCongratulations Ms. Debra for what I’m sure was a career well done! Have a wonderful new chapter that is well deserved! I’m blessed to know your Beautiful family through Betty and grateful for my time and memories with her. Also with Bonny and Bobbie. I would love to join you all on some of those trips. Count me in your 2024 planning!
Danny
July 3, 2023 at 7:13 PMCongratulations Debra remember what I told you the day I first met you. He put me to work the next week. Enjoy your time and have fun.
Debra Elmore
July 6, 2023 at 5:29 AMThank you all!!
Kim
August 29, 2023 at 12:10 AMHi Ms Deb, this is Kim, we met in the hot tub in Puerto Rico. I found your article after you told us your story. You are such a sweet person. Good Luck in this chapter of life.