JVS students earn 911 dispatcher certification

Criminal justice students at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School gained certification as emergency 911 dispatchers and may now serve in their community.

Instructor Jamie Freeman said 11 juniors completed a 40-hour online course in February and studied a 911 emergency communication manual before ultimately passing their tests.

“It was online this year and included 10 modules. They learned hands-on skills at the program’s simulated dispatch station. It also offers nine points toward graduation and they get two chances to take the test,” Freeman said. “They can now dispatch at a sheriff’s office, police department or for a trucking service.”

Student Isabella Hendricks said she hopes to use her skills in the future.

“I feel pretty good,” Hendricks said. “I have an interest in becoming a dispatcher and liked getting the certification.”

“I had to complete a course with tests and a lot of notes,” said classmate Lillian Carl. “The course itself took about two weeks, but the actual test was 1 ½ hours and had 150 questions. I feel great about passing and it was awesome.”

Carl also hopes to become a dispatcher and said she practiced with simulations.

“It was really accurate and a lot of fun,” she said. “I feel like I am prepared.”