Honoring the voices behind the call: Rogers County dispatcher reflects during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

This week is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, a time dedicated to honoring the critical role 9-1-1 dispatchers play in emergency situations.

News On 6's MaKayla Glenn takes us inside the Rogers County 9-1-1 Center, where one dispatcher shares how challenging—but deeply rewarding—the job can be.

The Heart of Emergency Response

Inside the center, dispatchers sit surrounded by glowing monitors. Each screen tells a story, and each light is a signal.

1. Blue means the dispatcher is on the radio
2. Red indicates a high-priority call
3. Green shows they’re speaking with someone in need

These are the first voices heard when someone dials 9-1-1.

Emilee Shields: Answering the Call

For Emilee Shields, being a dispatcher isn’t just a job—it’s a passion.

"My sister-in-law actually worked up here. My brother worked in the jail at the time, and she said, ‘Hey, we’re hiring.’ So I applied... and now I’m here, and I absolutely love my job," Shields said.

Covering 21 Agencies, One Call at a Time

Emilee has been working at Rogers County 911 for almost a year and a half. She helps handle emergencies for 21 agencies, including all police, fire departments, and two medical ambulance services.

Every Day is Different

"You never know what you’re gonna get. It’s a different day each day," Shields said.

Working a 12-hour shift, she says her day can start slow or immediately ramp up with back-to-back medical emergencies, law enforcement calls, or fire incidents—all before lunch.

It’s More Than Just Taking Calls

Despite the high demands and emotional toll, Emilee says the recognition this week makes a big difference.

"A lot of people think we sit down and we just take the calls and then put it out to officers. No, we do a lot more. We save some lives out there as well," Shields said.

Throughout the week, local departments have been dropping off food, gifts, and thank-you notes—a gesture Emilee says goes a long way in helping dispatchers feel appreciated.

A Team That Keeps Each Other Grounded

Even when the job gets overwhelming, Emilee says her team makes all the difference.

"We have a great team. We joke, we laugh, we support each other—especially after hard calls. That’s what keeps us going," Shields said.

A Vital Role in Public Safety

Rogers County dispatchers say they handled 468 calls this week.