Public Safety Communications Supervisor

The City of Hartford is a vibrant urban center known for its rich history, diverse communities, and commitment to public safety and community welfare. Within this municipality, the Emergency Services and Telecommunications Department plays a critical role in safeguarding residents by managing emergency communications efficiently and effectively. The Public Safety Dispatch Center operates under this department and serves as the frontline hub for dispatching essential emergency services including fire, emergency medical services (EMS), and police. This center ensures that all emergencies are met with quick, coordinated, and professional responses that protect lives and property throughout Hartford. As a unionized workforce under the HMEA, the center emphasizes collaboration, compliance with collective bargaining agreements, and adherence to high standards of public safety communication and service.

The position of Supervisor at the Hartford Public Safety Dispatch Center is a vital leadership role entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing and managing the full spectrum of dispatch operations during assigned shifts. This role involves planning, supervising, and participating in activities related to emergency telecommunication dispatch, with a significant focus on decision-making for the deployment of resources in fire, EMS, and police services. The Supervisor is responsible for managing Emergency Telecommunication Dispatchers, ensuring that they are well-trained, supported, and equipped to handle emergency calls efficiently under often stressful and fast-paced conditions.

Key responsibilities include coordinating the communication system activities to ensure the availability of personnel, materials, and equipment necessary for long-term projects and immediate operational needs. Scheduling duties require balancing union contract provisions, employee vacations, sickness, and training programs to maintain adequate staffing levels. Accuracy in logging all emergency calls into the database system and generating custom reports is also critical to monitoring performance and compliance.

Beyond operational oversight, the Supervisor plays an essential role in employee development through training, counseling, and assisting in staff selection. They foster a positive work environment, ensuring safe work practices and adherence to departmental policies and procedures. The effectiveness of the Public Safety Dispatch Center relies heavily on the Supervisor's ability to maintain order, communicate clearly, and make sound decisions quickly.

This position demands a professional capable of handling multiple concurrent emergencies, communicating clearly with various stakeholders including city officials and the public, and administering policies efficiently. Candidates must be prepared for a shift work schedule including weekends and holidays, with shift assignments determined by seniority via a bidding process. The job involves a probationary period of 12 months and requires candidates to successfully pass a physical examination, drug and alcohol screening, and background check.

Overall, this supervisory role is pivotal within Hartford's emergency response framework, providing leadership to the telecommunication dispatch team and ensuring that the Public Safety Dispatch Center operates seamlessly to meet the dynamic needs of the city’s residents in their times of greatest need.