Sept 9, 2021 Meeting Summary

Presiding: Steve Morgan

Meeting Room setup/takedown and general problem solving: Tom Mangan & Ron Van Ekeren

Professor’s Quote: Terry Roark

Introduction of Guests: Hanna Eslinger

Guests: Pastor Eric Feuerstein; Steve Watt; Chet Lockard

Rotaract/Interact Students:

Humor: Steve Morgan

Foundation Drawing: Don Prehoda won the $121.50 jackpot!

O’Dwyers Drawing: Keith Downey

Presiding: Steve Morgan

Meeting Room setup/takedown and general problem solving: Tom Mangan & Ron Van Ekeren

Professor’s Quote: Terry Roark

Introduction of Guests: Hanna Eslinger

Guests: Pastor Eric Feuerstein; Steve Watt; Chet Lockard

Rotaract/Interact Students:

Humor: Steve Morgan

Foundation Drawing: Don Prehoda won the $121.50 jackpot!

O’Dwyers Drawing: Keith Downey

 

 

Rotarian of the Week: Steve Morgan nominated Jamie Terry and Randi Downham for covering meetings while he was unavailable.  

 

Songs: Down by the Riverside; Edelweiss

 

Introduction: Aimee Binning

 

Amber Young spoke about 911 call centers. The first 911 call was completed in 1968 and originally was a concept of the Fire Chief Association.

 

In Wyoming there are 34 emergency communication centers with 397 fulltime employees and 41 part-time employees.

 

Emergency Call Centers receive and dispatch calls, whereas Public Safety Answering Points receive calls and then coordinate with dispatch.

 

When a citizen calls 911, the call goes to a GPS mapping system to track the caller’s location. It then links the caller with the appropriate call center who can alert the closet first responders.

 

Call takers and dispatchers monitor radio screens across different frequencies.

 

Residents should call 911 if there is a serious illness or injury, if there is a crime in progress, or for any kind of fire. You should call dispatch for other issues.

 

Once you call, you should always stay on the line even if you made the call by mistake. If you do hang up, they will call you back or possible send someone.

 

The dispatcher will want to know who you are, where you are, and what your phone number is in case you get disconnected. They will ask different questions asked on the issue or emergency you are calling about.

 

This is a stressful job that takes a lot of public abuse, so 911 call centers are working on educating the public. They are also working on managing stress through more peer support, quiet rooms, and establishing EAPs.

 

There are a few related initiatives with 911. The NG911 uses IP protocol that supports text, photos, and video. It works on any connected device and can help them better help you. Wyoming is in the early planning stages with NG911.

 

The 911 Saves Act is a movement to reclassify these workers as essential and to be included in the First Responders Act. At this time the call center workers are classified as secretaries, but the high amount of stress, long hours, and low pay make it difficult to recruit.

 

911Der Woman initiative is training toward certification for women. IAM911 is a movement and podcast to educate laypeople about the extremely rough calls dispatchers have to deal with.

 

And, don’t forget, you can text 911!

 

Response: Ron Van Ekeren

 

 

 

The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:

•FIRST. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;

•SECOND. High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society;

•THIRD. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian's personal, business, and community life;

•FOURTH. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service

 

Of the things we think, say, or do

•Is it the Truth?

•Is it Fair?

•Will it build Good Will and Better Friendships?

•Will it be Beneficial to All Concerned?

 

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Spoke Editor: Caitlin White, 307-630-1965, cwhite@acplwy.org