My Working Life

Current job:

I'm a police dispatcher and a 911 operator with the Ontario Provincial Police(OPP). All 911 operators here are trained to dispatch emergency services. We switch between the two jobs.

Age and family:

I'm 26, married, no kids.

Home:

Carleton Place, a small town west of Ottawa.

Pay:

I get Can $57,000(about £36,000) a year, plus very good dental and medical benefits.

Holidays:

Three paid weeks of holiday a year.

Working hours:

We switch between 20- and 60-hour weeks. I work on a 12-hour shift, sometimes during the day, sometimes at night.

Reason for choosing this job:

I know it's a clichè, but I really wanted to help people in need.

Favorite part of the job:

Once the emergency is over, you think, "Wow. I just dispatched ten policemen, a helicopter, ambulances and fire rescue to someone that needs our help." I can't think of any other job that lets you do anything like this. I've calmed down about suicidal callers; I've talked to people whose loved ones have just been killer; I've controlled police chases and water rescues. It's definitely not your average job.

Least favourite part of the job:

The long hours at work, and changing from day to night shift.

Skills needed:

You must be able to do many things at once - for example, talk in French to someone having an emergency, while writing the details in English and letting your supervisor and the dispatcher know they are needed. People in emergencies are often excited and confused, so you must be able to keep calm. And you have to be able to recognize when the stress is too much for you, so that you can control it.

Main changes since starting work:

When I started four years ago, there were only five of us. We've recently moved to a very large communications centre and provide emergency help for all of Eastern Ontario.

Languages spoken:

Good French and English.

Main interests outside work:

I enjoy travelling, and I'm a big fan of poker. At home, I put everything that's happened at work out of my mind and just enjoy life.

Ambitions and dreams:

Becoming an OPP supervisor, or training new employees full-time.

Regrets:

Not finishing college - because learning is such an interesting part of life.

Biggest achievement:

I once had to train new employees and was the youngest of all the trainers. Also, I've received many commendations for good work in dealing with emergencies, such as a hostage case, high-speed chases and suicidal people.

Main priority in life:

Having fun and seeing the best in everything, both good and bad.

Ideal job:

If I wasn't doing this, which I love, my ideal job would be owner of a jazz club.

Interview by Julie Hawrishok