Unsung Hero 911 Dispatcher Gets Shout Out After 30 Years in CNY

If we are talking about people who need to be recognized, Amy is definitely one of them.

Submission by Charlene Olcott

Meet Amy Wheeler

Not only has Amy put in her time, but her heart is bigger than you could ever imagine. She's spent over 30 years of her life as a Oneida County 911 Dispatcher, and she deserves all the recognition we can give her.

911 Dispatchers are the unsung hero's of the world. They are over-worked, under-staffed, under appreciated and rarely properly compensated for what they do on a daily basis.

Besides working 12+ hour work shifts, they go home most days feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders. They are the ones talking to a person who just lost a loved one, calming down a caller on the scene of something catastrophic, and even teaching someone how to administer CPR over the phone in an emergency.

Photo by Petr Macháček on Unsplash

There are days when dispatchers feel like the world is an awful place, but to them it is their job. They find pride in saving a life, protecting their community.

Amy and all the 911 Dispatchers deserve the accolades they rarely get, they deserve it on the daily.

So thank you again to Amy and every dispatcher for the work you do day-in and day-out. There aren't many people in this world that can do what you do. We are forever grateful for your dedication.

Photo by Marília Castelli on Unsplash

Nominate a First Responder

Do you know a first responder that deserves to be recognized? Tell us about someone who should be honored in Central New York - a firefighter, police officer, EMT, forest ranger, paramedic, DEC officer, military, rescuer, front-line worker, or any other person first on the scene.

Include their name, a picture, and why they should be recognized during 'First Responder Friday." We'll honor one first responder every Friday and as a way to say thank you, we'll give them a Bundt cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes.

Honor a First Responder on 'First Responder Friday'

25 Most Dangerous Counties in New York State

Here are the top 25 most dangerous counties in New York, outside of the city, with the highest violent crime rates.

Gallery Credit: Credit - Polly McAdams

16 New York State Cities Among Most Miserable In America

Even though New York State might be home to one of the happiest cities in America, we are also home to 16 of the most miserable cities too. Business Insider identified the 50 most miserable cities in the US. Some how, New York State didn't make that part of the list. Business Insider did expand their research to over 1,000 cities and that's where New York shows up. You can take a look at the Top 50 online here. If you want the rest of the list, you can go here.

Here's where all the New York State cities ranked:

Gallery Credit: Dave Wheeler