First class of new 911 Academy graduates could help fill 43% staffing shortage at Durham 911 Center

Now, Durham Tech students are stepping up to become part of the solution.

A new 911 Academy at Durham Technical Community College was formed to help fill the critical need for dispatchers – and its very first class will graduate Saturday.

In a nine-week course, seven students learned everything they need to know to be telecommunicators.

Now they're ready to join the work force -- and the jobs are waiting for them.

The latest data from Durham's Emergency Communications Center shows 43% of positions are vacant.

That's having an impact on how long people are stuck on hold. Last month, only 81% of calls were answered in 10 seconds or less. The goal is to get that number to 90%.

Ernest Jannetta, a former police officer and firefighter, oversees the 911 Academy.

"As a citizen myself and working in the field for 29 years, I’d love to see it get to the point again where when you call 911 we have an immediate response," says Jannetta.

Jannetta saw firsthand, as a first responder, how important these positions are. He is proud of the seven soon-to-be academy graduates who will help serve their communities – and invites others to apply to their next academy, which will start in about a month.

"They want to help the citizens. They think it’s a great opportunity to help the citizens of this community," he says. "[Dispatchers] are our lifeline."

Part of the graduation ceremony, which will take place at Durham Tech on Saturday, is also a job fair. Four agencies will be on-site trying to hire the seven graduates.

If you're interested in signing up for the next Durham Tech 911 Academy, you can email: PublicSafetyTraining@durhamtech.edu.