Meet Kirstie Brokaw, a dedicated public safety telecommunicator who has been making a difference at Genesee County 9-1-1 for over seven years. Kirstie is a Certified Training Officer (CTO), LEIN TAC, and an active member of the public relations team.
Kirstie discovered dispatching when a relative suggested the profession. Despite having no prior experience in public safety, she decided to apply after spotting an opening on the Genesee County 9-1-1 website. “I honestly thought they wouldn’t want me since I had no experience,” she shares, “but, I figured I’d try anyway. Here I am, seven years later.”
Kirstie’s days start bright and early at 5 AM, fueled by the essential telecommunicators’s lifeline—a stop at Starbucks because no 9-1-1 call gets answered without a proper dose of caffeine first! Once at the center, her responsibilities vary from answering calls to dispatching police, fire, or EMS.
As a CTO, Kirstie plays a vital role in training new public safety telecommunicators. She’s also passionate about supporting young professionals in the industry. “It’s always good to have a fresh perspective,” she says. “Newcomers often bring ideas we haven’t thought of yet.” Kirstie understands the challenges of balancing work and life in this career but is dedicated to helping others find their footing. When she’s off the clock, she recharges by diving into a good book or enjoying the great outdoors. “As a trainer, I make sure new hires have all the tools they need to succeed,” she says.
Kirstie hopes to become a supervisor in the next five years, driven by her goal to build a career she’s proud of. She’s also actively involved in her center’s peer support team, a program she’s excited to see grow. “There’s a lot more focus on mental health now than when I started,” she notes.
Her favorite part of the job? Leading the public relations team. “I love attending events and connecting with the community in a positive way,” she says. Her peers praise Kirstie for her dedication, noting that she regularly monitors PR supplies, researches new materials, and makes recommendations for orders to ensure the team is always prepared. When attending events, Kirstie takes her swag scouting seriously — keeping a sharp eye on what freebies other organizations are handing out, ensuring her agency’s outreach game stays top-notch.
Her enthusiasm shines during “Camp 9-1-1” events, where she connects with kids and teaches them essential safety information in a fun and interactive way. When it comes to her agency’s Trunk or Treat event, it’s obvious this is Kirstie’s jam. As the designated point person, she’s like the Halloween quarterback — calling the shots, making sure no one runs out of candy, and spreading spooky cheer with a big smile and enough Halloween spirit to rival a pumpkin patch.
When asked what she’d say if her voice could be heard industry-wide, Kirstie kept it simple but heartfelt: “If you are struggling, never hesitate to ask for help.” Whether she’s connecting with the community, supporting her coworkers, or ensuring no one runs out of Halloween candy, she embodies the best of the 9-1-1 profession.
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