Warm words for fire dispatchers

Re “L.A. Controller Urges Switch to Civilian Fire Dispatchers,� April 25

How about hiring veterans (especially those who, as a result of the wayward excursion into Iraq, are missing limbs) to fill dispatcher positions? They are disciplined, work well under pressure and know how to think and make decisions germane to the situation.

It would be a win-win situation.

Those who were injured and are now missing limbs would have meaningful work (and not a sympathy job) and would still be giving to the community. Firefighters would be able to do that for which they are trained rather than filling a necessary but detracting job. Having firefighters be dispatchers takes them away from the front lines of firefighting, something the city, county and residents have spent good money training them to do.

DALE V. FRANZ

Woodland Hills

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Having been a civilian fire photographer for more than 30 years, I have heard thousands of emergency radio dispatches. To listen to the Los Angeles Fire Department’s firefighter dispatchers during a major emergency is like listening to a philharmonic orchestra in perfect sync.

As firefighters, these dispatchers are able to anticipate the needs of the battalion commanders on the scene minutes before the requests are actually made, saving critical time.

The field experience that these firefighters bring to their dispatching job is invaluable in saving the lives and property of residents of Los Angeles.

Civilian dispatchers, without actual on-the-ground experience, would not be in the league of these professionals.

BRIAN HAIMER

Malibu