# 911 centers can't keep dispatchers on the line

> One in four 911 positions sits empty as stress, low pay and mandatory overtime drive workers away from emergency dispatch centers.
- Title: 911 centers can't keep dispatchers on the line | Shortify
- Summary: One in four 911 positions sits empty as stress, low pay and mandatory overtime drive workers away from emergency dispatch centers. America's 911 centers are…
- Keywords: 911, emergency dispatch, ingham county, michigan, staffing shortage, dispatchers, burnout, mandatory overtime, mike garland, julia jordan, andy daenzer, michigan state university
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/09/16/america-is-facing-critical-911-staffing-shortage-heres-why
- Published: 2026-09-16T11:54:27.657+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: 911, emergency dispatch, ingham county, michigan, staffing shortage, dispatchers, burnout, mandatory overtime, mike garland, julia jordan, andy daenzer, michigan state university
## One in four 911 jobs empty
Between 2019 and 2022, typical vacancy rates at 911 centers hit 25% nationwide. Stress and mandatory overtime are driving people out.
## Ingham County down 30% of staff
The Michigan county's 911 center operates 30% below target staffing levels while handling up to 600 calls daily. Full-time dispatchers work mandatory overtime to fill the gap.
## Finding qualified people is the problem
Director Andy Daenzer says applicants exist, but few make it through background checks, interviews and training. The right candidates are hard to find.

> We have had a good number of applicants, but finding the right ones, the ones that can get through a background, a sit-along, an interview, and then training
## AI cuts training time in half
Ingham County shortened dispatcher training from a year to under six months using new technology and AI. The faster program is helping them keep up with demand.

> Almost better because we're using a little bit of AI here and there to help with our training program now
## The work takes a special person
Dispatchers go from CPR calls to parking complaints in seconds. Nine-year veteran Cody Page calls it a roller coaster of adrenaline levels.

> You can go from taking a CPR call to taking a parking complaint the very next time
## A therapy dog helps with stress
Jessie, a rescue dog, joined the dispatch center two months before the MSU mass shooting. She senses stress and comforts workers who need her.

> She can sense the stress in the room. So if someone needs it, she will just come and lay like this.
## The goal is 52 dispatchers
Ingham County wants to grow from 30 full-time dispatchers to 52. Starting pay is $24 an hour, topping out at $33 plus overtime and shift pay.
## Key takeaway

America's 911 centers are operating at 25% vacancy rates, forcing remaining dispatchers to work mandatory overtime while centers struggle to train replacements fast enough.