During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, we take a moment to recognize a group of individuals who are always there, but rarely seen.
They are the calm in the chaos. The steady voice in someone’s worst moment. The first, first responders.
Our 911 dispatchers serve as the unseen backbone of public safety in Cynthiana-Harrison County, working around the clock to answer calls, coordinate emergency response, and support both the public and our first responders in the field.
This week, we asked a few members of our dispatch team to share their experiences. Their words offer a powerful glimpse into the heart behind the headset.
Meet the Voices Behind the Line
Deegee Roe– 30 Years of Service
Deegee has dedicated three decades to dispatch- and for 24 of those years, also served as a firefighter.
For her, the role is deeply personal:
“People who don’t even know you place their trust in you at one of the most vulnerable times of their life…that is incredibly rewarding, knowing you helped make a difference.”
She also reminds us of something many don’t realize:
“That calm voice on the phone isn’t just answering calls- they are actively saving lives in real time… and carrying the emotional impact long after their shift ends.”
Amy Thornton– Serving Since 2002
Amy began part-time while raising her daughter and later became full-time and state certified.
“My favorite thing about dispatching is the people I work with… knowing that we can make a difference in the community we serve.”
And what does she wish the public knew?
“We care. We spend countless hours training and preparing for the next emergency.”
When she’s not dispatching, Amy enjoys gardening, and hopes to have her yard certified as a monarch waystation this year.
Stephanie Neace– 11 Years of Service
Stephanie has spent over a decade serving the Cynthiana-Harrison County community.
“My favorite thing about the job is getting to help people, knowing they have someone with them in their worst times.”
She offers a powerful reminder of the emotional weight dispatchers carry:
“We don’t just answer phones. We take the brunt of what is going on. We hear their cries, their screams- and we stay calm to keep them calm.”
Outside of work, Stephanie treasures time with her daughter (who also dispatches), her mom, and her two dogs, Starla and Belle.
A Final Thank You
While most of us will never meet the person who answers our call in an emergency, their impact is immeasurable.
They are the first voice of reassurance. The connection between crisis and help. The quiet strength behind every response.
This week- and every week- we thank our dispatchers for their dedication, compassion, and unwavering service to our community.
If you know a dispatcher, take a moment to say thank you.