Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird Thanks Local Dispatchers

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird stopped by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Friday morning, Feb. 27, to speak with local law enforcement about what they’ve been working on lately, including a scammer case.

While there, she chatted with dispatchers Kristin Roode and Jody Hepler about the challenges and importance of their roles.

“In Iowa, we take for granted that when we call 911 if something horrible happens, somebody will be on the other end of the line, and that person will help us,” Bird told the Chronicle. “And that’s because our dispatchers do such a great job. I think, personally, they don’t get the appreciation they deserve. When you lay your head on your pillow at night, there is a dispatcher on duty … They are there 24/7 and they have the back of law enforcement, sometimes in very stressful situations.”

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office currently employs six full-time dispatchers.

Kristin has been with them for the last eight years and Jody has been with them for 22 years.

Bird encourages community members to show their appreciation for local dispatchers by sending them thank-you notes.