9-1-1

Through the darkest of nights

As citizens sleep

They keep vigil

Inundated, stressed, but undaunted

Answering the call to service

As symbolized by their sigil

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They reside within that thin gold line

Sandwiched between the red and blue

Spending long and oft unthankful hours

At their place of duty

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Armed with zeal and determination

Their weapon a phone, a computer, a radio

They sift chaff from the piled wheat

Split second decisions their fodder

Life and death hanging on every call

To save a life their hopeful feat

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Whom do we send here?

What is needed there?

Ambulance, fire, police ... chaplain

Multi tasking under extreme pressure

Keeping track of every resource, every unit

Patrolman, firemen, ambulance, or the shift captain

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When disaster strikes they don't evacuate

They gird up their loins and never hesitate

For they are the first of first responders

As their families depart ahead of the storm

They pray for their safety while ensuring that of others

Between every word spoken thru their transponders

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They work days ... evenings... morning...nights

Exhausted, sleep deprived, but willing

To ensure every citizen has access

To lifesaving personnel

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After 30 years of dispatching, 25 at the same agency, I can finally enjoy retirement. The torch has been passed to a new and dedicated generation of dispatch heroes - younger, quicker, more tech savvy … But just as dedicated and caring. May God bless your sacrifices along with those of the police officers, firemen, paramedics, and the citizens whom you protect during your thankless vigils.