This month, we are thrilled to shine the spotlight on someone who’s not only leveling up in Pokémon Go but also in the world of public safety! An “Oklahoma transplant,” Iris Harris grew up all over before officially settling down in 2016. Laid-back and easy-going, she enjoys reading, listening to music, and game nights with family and friends. Oh, and if you see someone wandering the neighborhood on foot with their phone held high, don’t worry, it’s probably just her catching Pokémon.
But how did she find her way into dispatching? Believe it or not, it started with sirens. One sunny day, she heard blaring storm sirens, had no idea what was going on, and did what most of us would do—checked Facebook. That’s when she stumbled across a job opening with the 9-1-1 center and thought, “Why not?” She applied, got the job, and the rest is history.
Since May 2017, she’s been answering the call—literally. What started as a job to support her through school to become a respiratory therapist quickly became a career she couldn’t walk away from. “Helping people has always been my passion,” she said. “Dispatching allowed me to contribute to my community and assist those in need without dealing with the gory aspects.” As Director, no two days look the same. She might start her day debriefing with supervisors, then switch gears to emails, payroll, QA reviews, or jumping in to help answer calls at 7 a.m. (or 3 a.m. if the console decides to break down). She proudly wears many hats—and a headset too!
What does she love most? “At the end of the day, I feel like I’ve made a difference in my community.” And she’s just getting started! In five years, she hopes to be more active in national organizations like APCO and NENA—maybe even running for office (look out, world!). She’s also a fierce advocate for young professionals in public safety. From creating mentorship programs to implementing a career development plan within the centers, she’s working hard to make sure no one feels like their job is just about answering phones. “There are so many career paths in 9-1-1,” she says. “No one should feel stagnant.”
Her advice to new dispatchers? “Give yourself grace. This job is tough. It’s fast-paced and high-stress. But if you keep showing up, one day, everything will just click.” When asked what she’d say to the industry if she had the mic, her message was clear: “You are the unsung heroes. Embrace the opportunities for growth & development and continue to innovate & improve the services you provide. Remember to take care of yourselves and each other.” From navigating console chaos to nurturing future leaders, she is proof that with passion and resilience (and maybe a little help from Pikachu), you can truly make a difference!
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