Dispatchers deserved more dignity 

I was just a little disappointed this evening when I read your article, “The comedy and tragedy of dispatch,” by Colin Rigley (April 12). The article was certainly entertaining and well written, and I appreciate the fact that it gave clear validation to the serious nature of the dispatchers’ duties.

However, I was saddened that the entertainment of the article was made at the professional expense of some of the county’s most dedicated employees. One must be completely honest when they admit that any office has its share of comical antics and slight vulgarities, and this behavior can even be psychologically necessary as morale and a sense of camaraderie is built between employees at a high-stress job. I just don’t think this exploitation of those office inter-workings paints a fair picture of these dispatchers.

I’m pleased that they are healthy enough individuals to find humor in their duties, and competent enough employees to switch from giggly to life saving on the drop of a dime. I’ve seen and heard this office in action, and I can vow with 100 percent certainty that they are professional and above-standard county employees both in and out of the office.

So in closing, Ms. Porter, Ms. Fontes, Ms. Dishen, Ms. Cox, Chief Giese, and all the rest of the SLO County sheriff’s dispatch office, thank you for your continued professionalism, dedication to your job, and bravery to interview with New Times!