NPSTW

If you thought we would leave you, then you were wrong, “Cause we won’t stop helping you”

From the calm moments of routine calls to the adrenaline rush of emergencies, each scene is paired with a song that reflects the mood, stress, and strength it takes to be the calm voice in chaos.

You sing the chorus to this song on repeat as the sun rises at the end of what seems to be a never-ending graveyard shift…  Only this crew goes hardcore!

I’ll Be There For You’ (Friends Theme Song) is our anthem! We are a unique group that looks out for one another on the job and off.

🎵 They’re Dispatch Heroes – behind every call
The silent strength that supports it all
Yeah, Dispatch Heroes – with hearts so wide
They’ve got your back from the other side

Call me on 9-1-1 or
Call me on non-emerg
Call me when you need help
I’ll know who you are
Call and tell me where you are
So I’ll know where you’re calling from

While we never know what music life chooses to give us on shift, the best thing we can do is choose how we roll with the music.

The song Running on Empty reminds me that even though at times when we’re fatigued, agitated, sad, and want to cry or call off – we have peers that are a support system to help shape our days and help us to simply… Run Along.

Our ECO’s are really adrenaline junkies like any other first responders and we are ready for whatever chaos comes when the 9-1-1 phone rings.  What’s up Danger?  We are ready for you!

We are the California’s Department of State Parks and Rec (Rangers) and Department of Fish and Wildlife (Wardens) Northern Dispatch Center. With 189 parks, 42 counties, 790 miles of coastline, and 130 radios, dull is not in our vocabulary.  

Bro Hymn by Pennywise is really the theme song of every 9-1-1 center with lyrics like “If you’re ever in a tough situation, we’ll be there with no hesitation” and “You know who it is you can count on, someone will pick you up again”

I was stuck inside that headset all shift long (all shift long)
Didn’t think I’d make it through those long calls (long calls)
But that relief showed up, they’re always on time (on time)
Remember when they logged me out that?

It’s not just a job—it’s a calling, and we wear the headset with pride.  We are the heartbeat of hope, and we were BORN FOR THIS.

The remix to this song is fun, and catchy, which explains our department because we have such a mix of different personality types, and somehow we come together and make it all work.  This remix is a perfect representation of us and the job that we all do.

Take this Plantronics headset off my ears, I’m exhausted but there’s no need to fear.
Don’t you think I know exactly what to say? Only 9 more hours to finish my 12-hour day.
‘Cuz I’m just a voice, a little voice that can help, although I’m never in your sight.
Oh, I’m just a voice, a voice so calm & serene, so please just answers all these questions for me.

(to the tune of “Cheers”)

Being successful in this job today … takes everything  I’ve got.
Taking a break from all these callers … sure would help a lot!

In the same way the original song emphasizes friendship and emotional support, this version highlights how our dispatchers reassure callers during times of crisis, guiding them through moments of fear and uncertainty.

Voices of Dispatch isn’t just an album — it’s a tribute to the unsung heroes behind the headset, brought to you by the Cobb 911 All-Stars. This work of art captures the very soul of our center, with each track inspired by something that’s actually been said on the radio or in the room.

We have created a collection of Greatest Hits and included the Spotify link for everyone to enjoy! These songs represent the rollercoaster of a 12+ shift in emergency communications …

Sung to the theme of Ghostbusters by Roy Parker Jr.

If there’s something strange in your neighborhood,
Who you gonna call… DISPATCHERS!

If it’s something weird and it don’t look good,
Who you gonna call… DISPATCHERS!

We chose to re-write the lyrics of the iconic tune “Convoy” because it represents the true grit and determination of our center as that seen in the over the road trucker,  and much like that trucker depends on a great 24/7 truck stop, We are a beacon of refuge.

Beyond its practical use, the song’s theme of survival resonates with the role of 911 call centers. Dispatchers are often the first responders in emergencies, helping individuals “stay alive” by providing critical assistance and coordinating rescue efforts. Thus, “Stayin’ Alive” serves both as a literal lifesaving tool and a symbolic anthem for the life-saving work done by 911 call centers.

Working 911 is how we make a living
Working days and nights, even Christmas and Thanksgiving
We try to help them out, but just can’t make them listen
It’s enough to drive you crazy if you let it

Psst your phone’s ringing….

Don’t worry about the beep, yo.

Ay, FPS on the beat, yo
FPO, any rap sheet, he got a hit though
Man down, call an ambulance, tell ’em, “breathe, bro”

Karma police, arrest this man
He talks in rhymes
and I’m trying to get a location
into CAD in time

The Parody of “STAND BY ME” BY Ben E. King!!!

When the nights are calm
and the citizens are sleep
The scroll lights, is the only, lights you will see

“The Beatles’ classic HELP! perfectly sums up what our dedicated headset heroes hear from callers every day.

To the tune of Welcome to the Jungle…

Welcome to Dispatch
We got fun and games
We got all the Police you want,
Honey, we’ll find your name!

Charlie Puth’s One Call Away isn’t just a song—it’s a way of life. Every second of every shift, our dispatchers stand at the ready, just one call away from making the difference between chaos and calm, danger and safety, uncertainty and action.

(Chorus) Whether you’re okay or need help on the way,
Just stay on the line, stay on the line.
Don’t be afraid to say it’s a mistake,
Just stay on the line, stay on the line.

I’m performing this as a sarcastically very serious number during our dispatch week awards banquet. “Open Arms” by Journey, with my re-written lyrics.

This song reflects resilience, rising to and overcoming challenges and becoming stronger through adversity, and a never-give-up attitude, all qualities that align with the work of our 911 center.

Ooh, don’t we SOUND good together?
There’s a reason why WE DISPATCH all night long (all night long)
Yeah, I know we’ll sound GREAT forever.
So tonight, I’m gonna show IT off

Sung to the tune of Celebration by Kool and the Gang. I was inspired to use this tune as our Center is in a rebuild era. The current vibe is right and we are grooving along.

No place for beginners or sensitive hearts
When sentiment is left to chance
No place to be ending but somewhere to start
No need to ask, they’re a smooth operator

If I had to describe my agency with music, I’d say it’s a mixtape with a variety of songs to match different moments of the day.

The song “This is me” is by Keala Settle and it is from the Greatest Showman movie. In emergency communications we deal with all sorts of people and characters. In this line of work it becomes so easy to be broken or overwhelmed.

The lyrics of “Livin’ on a Prayer” highlight the struggles and challenges faced by the characters in the song, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.

I have chosen the song “I Stand by You” for my agency. It symbolizes our commitment to support citizens during difficult times and reminds us to stand by each other as a team when chaos …

(To the tune of “Rock You Like a Hurricane”)
It’s early morning, the sun’s not up
I’ve got a shift; better not be tough
My car is idling, she doesn’t know
It’s a full moon out …about to lose control

Here I am
What is your emergency

Ironically, we are the Communications Department, however, a lot of information is either not communicated or communicated to some but not others.  This begins at the top and continues between individual persons on the same …

This is a favorite song of our dispatchers. It represents us well as we dispatch THE Cincinnati Fire Department in Cincinnati, Ohio, and FIRE is what we do!  

We are a small remote dispatch centre with 6 full time dispatchers that do the entire NorthWest Territories of Canada. We go to work when it’s dark and cold and leave when it’s dark and …

(To the tune of “Hallelujah”)
I heard the call, the voice was weak,
A frightened soul who couldn’t speak.
I closed my eyes and whispered, “I am with ya.”

I can relate to the words because as a Team, no matter whatever the  day, week or month brings, we work together.

Went the distance, now we’re not gonna stop.
Just a team and its will to survive!
It’s the EYE OF THE TIGER,
it’s the thrill of the fight.
Risin’ up to the challenge …

My submission, “Dispatch is a River,” is a remake of Doechii’s “Denial is a River” that portrays the real life of a 911 dispatcher. This submission includes a lyric video featuring the updated lyrics and a complete vocal replacement to bring the dispatch-themed version to life.

It’s your favorite song, you know its ebb and flow, its chorus and bridge, and you sing it with your chest wondering why you chose dispatch over Hollywood almost every ride into work. Over here like, “Simon, did you hear that?”

Song is about how we crave tragedy and chaos, but only when it’s happening to others.