POTTSVILLE, Pa. – “She was a corporate VP with Empire Beauty School, she was a hairstylist, every day got up and went to work,” said David Clews of his wife.
On December 1, 2017, Pottsville Mayor David Clews’ wife Margie tragically fell and died.
Clews credits 911 operators with efforts to keep him calm in those initial moments.
“You’re in a life and death situation with people on the other end of a phone. And you’re not going to take that job if it isn’t paying enough to, you know, go along with the responsibilities,” he said.
Clews was one of several who pleaded with Schuylkill County commissioners to raise the hourly wage of 911 operators. It’s currently at $15.50 during training and then $16.50 to start.
“We’re in a critical state,” said 911 Communication Director Scott Krater.
Krater says they’re down seven out of a staff of 25 and have been for over a year.
“There’s not a 911 call that does not go unanswered. We have dedicated people that are answering those phones,” he said.
They have 16-hour days and at least 20 overtime shifts per week.
Local volunteer firefighter Jeff Dunkil wants salaries raised to at least $20 per hour to compete with surrounding counties.
“There’s a lot of ifs. Yeah, I mean, they’re down seven dispatchers, if they go down more, what’s going to happen?” he asked.
Three new hires are expected next week but Krater has been plagued by no shows.
Commissioners say they’re confident in having a new recruit pay increase before the New Year.
An increase for those already working is still up in the air.
Read More: Pottsville mayor calls for raises for 911 county dispatchers | Poconos and Coal