Somerset County Dispatchers

06/07/2026

🚨Humanize the Headset🚨

Introducing Dispatcher Patti. For the past 2 years, he has served as a 911 Dispatcher, providing a calm voice and critical support during emergencies when people need it most. His commitment to helping others doesn’t stop there—Dispatcher Patti has also proudly serves as a firefighter for the last 5 years, answering the call and supporting his community both on the radio and on the front lines.

When Dispatcher Patti is not at work or responding to calls, you can usually find him spending time with his girlfriend or hanging out at the firehouse with his fellow firefighters. His dedication, teamwork, and passion for service make him an invaluable part of both the dispatch center and the fire service.

05/16/2026

🚨Humanize the Headset🚨

For the past 2 years, Dispatcher Gara has proudly served as a 911 dispatcher, answering the call when his community needs him most. Alongside dispatching, he has dedicated 11 years to the fire service, stepping into the role of Lieutenant over the last 3 years — a true reflection of his hard work, leadership, and commitment to those around him.

Dispatcher Gara also earned his EMT certification 4 years ago, continuing to expand his knowledge and ability to help others both on and off the job.

When he’s not serving his community, you can find Dispatcher Gara enjoying the outdoors — whether it’s fishing, hunting, or simply spending quality time with the people who matter most to him.

05/10/2026

Today, we recognize the women who take on one of life’s most important roles, being a mother.

To the dispatchers, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, nurses, corrections officers, and every first responder balancing service with motherhood… thank you, we see the sacrifice behind the uniform.

To every mother outside of public safety, or supporting those within public safety, the ones raising families, holding households together, supporting loved ones, sacrificing quietly, and showing up every single day without recognition, filling the gaps the first responder calling sometimes creates, we see you too.

The sleepless nights.
The missed moments.
The constant pressure to carry more than anyone realizes.

From all of us at Somerset County Dispatch and FMBA Local 497, we wish a heartfelt Happy Mother’s Day to every mother and mother figure in our community.

Thank you for everything you do, both seen and unseen. 💐

05/06/2026

🚨Humanize the Headset🚨

Two and a half years behind the headset, answering the calls most people hope they never have to make. Being a 911 dispatcher isn’t just a job—it’s long hours, quick thinking, and showing up for strangers on their hardest days. And Dispatcher Hayek does it with strength, heart, and dedication every single shift.

When Dispatcher Hayek is off the clock, life looks a little different—in the best way. You’ll find her soaking up time with her family, camping with friends, or checking out new restaurants with her husband. She’s also a huge part of their detailing business, putting in just as much effort there as she does on the job.

Give her a dirt road, a country concert, or a new destination to explore, and she’s right at home. With a goal of visiting all 50 states, she’s chasing experiences, memories, and a life well-lived.

Balancing service, family, business, and adventure—Dispatcher Hayek is proof that you really can do it all.

04/27/2026

🚨Humanize the Headset🚨

For the past 3 years, she has been a dedicated 911 dispatcher—calm under pressure, compassionate with every call, and always ready to be the steady voice on someone’s worst day. Her commitment to helping others doesn’t stop there. About a year ago, Dispatcher Michaelides joined Monmouth Junction First Aid Squad, taking her passion for service to the next level as she works toward earning her EMT certification.

When she’s not dispatching you’ll likely find her embracing her love for Disney, exploring new places around the world, soaking up the sun at the beach, or enjoying country concerts. Whether Dispatcher Michaelides is traveling far or staying close to home, she brings the same energy and positivity everywhere she goes.

Dispatcher Michaelides’s journey is just getting started, and there’s no doubt she’ll continue to do incredible things both on and off the radio 🚑✨

04/14/2026

🚨Humanize the Headset🚨

Five years behind the headset, and still answering every call with the same dedication and steady voice—Dispatcher Burton recently earned his trainer certification just three months ago, he’s already stepping up to guide the next generation, sharing not only knowledge, but the calm and confidence needed in every moment that matters.

Outside the communications center, Dispatcher Burton’s commitment to service continues. With 9 years in the fire service, he has risen through the ranks, proudly serving as both Captain and Lieutenant. Leadership, teamwork, and reliability define him—whether he’s on the radio or on the fireground.

When he’s off duty, you’ll find him doing what matters most: spending time with friends and family, catching live music at concerts, and exploring new places through travel. A balance of dedication and enjoying life, he brings the same passion to everything he does.

Thank you Dispatcher Burton for your service, your leadership, and for always being there when it counts.

04/12/2026

04/08/2026

🚨Humanize the Headset🚨

Behind every call is a calm voice, a steady mind, and someone ready to step up when it matters most.

For the past 4 years, Dispatcher Alvarez has been that voice as a 911 dispatcher—handling the chaos with professionalism, compassion, and strength. Over the last 6 months, she’s taken it a step further as a trainer, helping guide and shape the next generation of dispatchers with the same dedication she brings to every shift.

When Dispatcher Alvarez is off duty, her adventurous side takes over. Whether she’s out shooting, fishing, hunting, or hiking, she embraces the outdoors and everything it has to offer. You can also find her cheering on the New York Rangers, or hitting the open road on a motorcycle ride with her husband—making the most of every moment away from the headset.

Strong, driven, and always ready—both on and off the job.

04/01/2026

Before anyone calls us… relax.

It’s April Fools.

No callers were harmed in the making of this “protocol.”
(Because it’s not real… take a breath 😌) And if you believed this… we should probably talk.
Kidding. (Mostly.)

However… if you’ve ever said
“this isn’t an emergency, but…”
you already know which category you’d fall into.

Happy April Fools from Somerset County 911 🚨
We’ll keep doing what we do best—helping when it matters most.

Stay safe Somerset.

11/27/2025

We’d like to wish a happy and healthy Thanksgiving to all of our Police, Fire, EMS, and 911 family as well as all of those who call Somerset County home. And for those on shift today and tonight, thank you for your service so that others can enjoy the holiday with their families at home, knowing they are in good hands.