Name: Bonnie J. Silva
Age: 50
Position: Dispatcher/ Police Officer
Hometown: Georgetown, MA.
Who inspired you and how?
I guess I inspired myself; I joined the Georgetown Fire Department when I turned 18 years old. However, I have and have had several family members involved with public safety through the years! My father was on the Groveland Fire Department. My Grandfather was on the Georgetown Fire Department. My brothers and uncles also served with Georgetown Fire Department. My aunt was the first female to join the Georgetown Fire Department. More recently, my daughter joined when she turned 18.
I started dispatching for Georgetown Police Department in 1981 part time. I also dispatched for Groveland Police Department and at that time Groveland also dispatched for the West Newbury Police Department.
I was hired full time for Georgetown Police Department in 1987
What are the greatest challenges in your field?
I would say keeping up with the numerous changes in the laws, State Mandates and technology changes!
What advice can you offer for someone who wants to go into public safety?
Go for it! I have always had a passion to help people. Sometimes it’s rewarding and sometimes its not!
What’s something about your line of work that most people don’t know?
As a dispatcher, when you dial 911 for an emergency only one dispatcher handles the call… and at times multiple calls!
Reporting a Medical emergency, house fire, motor vehicle accident, or someone is breaking into your house, or another community requesting mutual aid There is only one person who gathers your information and sends you the appropriate response! Police, Fire, or Ambulance.
What is a memorable moment in your career and why?
After over 30 years in public it’s difficult to recall just one, There have been so many. Some are fit to print others are not.
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