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Ventura, Calif. — Each year during the second week of April, the Ventura Police Department (VPD) recognizes National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, bringing well deserved attention and recognition to the first responders who are a vital part of the public safety team.
“This year we recognize Jenna Wolverton as our Dispatcher of the Year! Jenna is the epitome of a team player, handles high priority calls with ease, and is a skilled Communications Training Officer (CTO) who demonstrates patience and a desire to effectively train and mentor,” said Communications Center Supervisor, Sergeant Tim Ferrill. “She is a true asset to our agency and is a worthy recipient of this award.”
Jenna started with VPD in March of 2015 as a police cadet and during her time as a cadet, explored various law enforcement career options. She was hired as a dispatch trainee in May 2016 and has faithfully served Ventura since.
“I am extremely proud of our team of dispatchers who play a key role in serving Ventura,” said Police Chief Darin Schindler. “They are highly trained professionals who provide life-saving instruction, calm callers in dangerous situations, multi-task under stressful conditions, and keep our officers apprised of vital information. Emergency response is truly a team effort that starts when a call is answered.”
VPD is the first answering point in the community for all emergency calls, including police, fire, and emergency medical services. In 2021, Ventura Police public safety dispatchers received 68,000 911 calls, which is about 240 calls for service each day. Additionally, VPD dispatchers generated 86,000 calls for service, and dispatched over 135,000-unit responses ranging from life-threatening priority calls to disturbance and investigative calls.
In the last year, VPD received grant funding to provide a new community service called “Text to 911,” which allows the community to send a text when they’re unable to make a phone call.
Currently, VPD has 17 public safety dispatchers who have completed a rigorous 6–12-month academy, with an additional two people in training.
In 2020, public safety dispatchers were reclassified as “first responders,” further recognizing their crucial work in providing emergency assistance to the community they serve.
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