Officials say operators at the Marion County 911 Communication Center are stretched thin, and have been for months. Now, a state senator is hoping to pass a law that would expand who is able to apply for those jobs.
The center has faced controversy over wait times and staffing. Now, there's a new bill that lawmakers say will provide relief.
Right now, you must live in Marion County to work there unless they accept a waiver. If the bill becomes law, people from outside Marion County could apply. "Nothing else gets to be dispatched or sent without the initial call being taken," said Chief Tom Sellas. Sellas says operators at the Marion County 911 Communication Center are stretched thin, and have been for months.Sellas says staffing and a high call volume led to the delay."We just released six fully trained to the floor. We have nine that are in the classroom currently, and we have five that are at the end of their hiring process soon to be put in the classroom. It's gonna get us up to 21 additional personnel ... these numbers are significant and they will help us," said Sellas.
"Our telecommunicators are classified as first responders and if it's given to law enforcement or fire, they should have the same option," said Sellas.The Marion County 911 communication center is hiring. The starting salary is around $47,000 a year.
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