9-1-1 Operators Honored At "Dispatcher Of The Year" Awards.
By Hadas Kuznits
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- 9-1-1 operators reveal some behind-the-scenes secrets at the 17th annual Dispatcher of the Year awards.
JanNina Morton was one of three 9-1-1 operators recognized at the 17th annual "Dispatcher of the Year" awards, who says she has some stories to tell.
"Lord knows! I could write a book about it -- but I won't -- because I might get in trouble!," said Morton.
"There are a variety of calls. You get your hospital cases, you get the bad jobs -- the shootings, the stabbings," said operator Ilona Gindrow, who says there's never a dull moment at Philadelphia's 911 call center.
She also hears non-emergency calls: "Lonely callers, they just want to say "Hi," you get child callers playing on the phone," she said.
While they are often the first contact someone has with police in an emergency, 9-1-1 operators tend to stay in the background.
Even while being recognized, Doretha Utsey diverted the praise to her coworkers.
"During our individual recognition, all of police radio is recognized, so it means a lot," said Utsey.