Working with the DPSC has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my entire life. I have had several jobs, in all types of work environments, and nothing quite compares to working here. With every call taken, every citizen served, every police officer or firefighter dispatched, my own personal sense of accomplishment grows.

The degree to which my colleagues and I exercise teamwork and camaraderie peppers the atmosphere, from the first greeting on a phone call, to dispatch, to the conclusion of an incident. Even during the most stressful of days—like September 11, 2001—the unity and genuine spirit of these people cannot be matched.  I have learned some valuable life lessons within the walls of this communications center: lessons that have formed who I am as a person and that I will carry with me for many years. I have never been so pleased to work for any agency. I am proud to say that I work for the Fairfax County Department of Public Safety Communications. 

I joined DPSC as a second career because I wanted to work in a place where you can help people. A 9-1-1 center provided the perfect opportunity to help people on a daily basis, and I have found great satisfaction in being available to respond to the needs of the citizens calling for assistance.

The work is challenging, wide-ranging and often dramatic when a high priority medical or police incident occurs. I like to learn—and there are ample opportunities to learn about the details of police and fire public safety communications. There's also a great deal of camaraderie among the squads and significant pride in performing a job well.  All in all, I've been very happy in my career here at DPSC and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to serve others and join a challenging and fun environment.

    - Steve McMurrer, 9-1-1 Systems Administrator, 13 years of service

When I graduated college, I found myself working a nine-to-five office job that kept me busy but left me feeling incredibly unfulfilled. At the end of my workday, I didn’t feel I was moving any closer to finding a purpose- and then I found DPSC. When I joined DPSC, it was a weight off my shoulders and one of the most challenging experiences all at the same time. A weight off my shoulders because I finally found my calling; a challenging experience because, at times, lives depended on me, and every second counted.
I have been with DPSC for ten years now. I’ve grown up here. I’ve saved lives here. I’ve found a family here. I’ve overcome challenges, grief and watched my coworkers lift each other up through tragedy here.  I get to work alongside people from all different walks of life…I’ve learned about the world here. There is no other job like this one, no other place like this, and no other people like the ones I’m lucky enough to work with every day. At the end of my workday, thanks to DPSC, I can now confidently say that I am fulfilling my purpose- to serve and help others.