By SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County 911 dispatcher Melissa Sanchez admits she doesn’t always like talking about herself. But this month, she had reason to reflect after being honored as the Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram First Responder of the Month.
Sanchez, who has been with Reno County Emergency Communications for three and a half years, said the award helped her feel seen in a profession that often goes unnoticed.
“Dispatchers, we feel like we're unseen a lot, because we're forgotten a lot,” Sanchez said. “But that made me feel very opposite of that.”
Sanchez was a stay-at-home mom before applying for the job nearly four years ago. The transition required months of training and certifications, from medical and fire protocols to police call-taking and radio dispatching. Now she handles emergencies ranging from car accidents to severe weather events, often juggling multiple responsibilities in the dispatch center.
When asked how she remains calm during emergencies, Sanchez explained that her mind narrows its focus.
“My brain now, with the training I've had, kind of goes into tunnel vision when a big emergent call is on the other line,” she said. “Even if there’s a bunch of screaming in the background, I focus specifically on the words coming from the caller’s voice.”
She credits experience for honing that skill. Early on, she said, she struggled with balancing phone calls and radio traffic. Now, she can split her focus, with one side of her mind locked on the caller and the other on relaying vital information to first responders.
Despite the pressure of the job, Sanchez said what keeps her grounded is her family.
“Honestly, without my family being as supportive as they are, I don’t think I would still be here in the position I am,” Sanchez said. “It’s knowing that they talk about me so proudly. My husband, my parents, my three daughters, they understand my job isn’t easy. That makes me feel like I’m doing this for the right reason.”
Sanchez and her colleagues work 12-hour shifts covering the county’s police, fire, EMS and sheriff’s departments. On a normal day, dispatchers can field hundreds of calls. During major storms that number can multiply quickly.
Through it all, Sanchez said the recognition reinforced her commitment to the work.
“It makes me feel like I’m not wasting my time,” she said. “I’m doing this for the right reason, and it shows.”
Sanchez's nominee praised her dedication to the job.
“Melissa has won employee of the month two months in a row," the nominee said. "She scores highly on reviews, answers 911 calls in seconds, and always brings a smile to work. She’s the calm in the storm, trusted by fellow dispatchers, first responders and callers alike. People hear her empathy through the phone, and she’s guided many through CPR and life-saving situations. Reno County is lucky to have her.”
