In an industry where few insiders go on to shape the tools of the trade, Amanda is a rare and powerful voice. She didn’t just choose Watson; she chose to represent the consoles she believes in, from the inside out. We sat down with her to hear about her path to Watson, her thoughts on what makes a great dispatch workspace, and the kind of impact she hopes to make in her new role.
Q: What first drew you toward public safety and emergency communications?
Law enforcement was always part of my world growing up. When we lived in California, my mom was a deputy with the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Department, and even at a young age, I had a deep respect for the demands of that work. After we moved to Kentucky when I was six, she shifted roles and eventually became a dispatcher for the Glasgow Police Department.
Q: When did you know you wanted to become a dispatcher yourself?
I used to stop by during her shifts and watch her and her team; it was mesmerizing. The level of multitasking, the constant mental juggling, the pace of it all; I was hooked. It didn’t take long for me to realize that dispatching was what I wanted to do. So, when I had the chance to apply at the Bowling Green Police Department, I went for it, and the rest is history!
Q: What do you think most people misunderstand about dispatchers?
A lot of people don’t fully understand what a dispatcher’s day actually looks like—what kind of information we handle, how fast we have to think, or even where we are. I can’t tell you how many times callers would ask if I even lived in Kentucky, let alone in their town. There’s this old misconception that we’re in some far-off call center, like when you call your cellphone provider. In reality, we’re deeply rooted in the communities we serve.
Q: Has public awareness of dispatchers improved in recent years?
Thankfully, yes. I don’t usually give the media too much credit, but over the last few years, they’ve done a much better job showing what dispatchers really go through. You’re seeing news segments and articles that talk openly about the mental toll—those calls that stick with you long after your shift ends. The push to officially recognize dispatchers as first responders is still ongoing, but the awareness is growing. Communities are finally starting to understand the vital role dispatch plays in public safety.
Q: What made you start thinking about a career shift?
As much as I loved being a dispatcher, it’s an incredibly taxing career mentally and emotionally. I hit a point around year eight when I knew I couldn’t do this forever. That’s when I started exploring other paths and going back to college.
Q: Was there a turning point in your search for something new?
Yes, attending the NENA conference in 2021 was a huge eye-opener. Just talking to other professionals opened so many doors. Before that, I hadn’t even considered the vendor side of the industry as an option.
Q: What stood out to you about Watson?
I actually fell in love with Watson a couple of years ago while researching vendors in public safety. The more I learned about their history, their growth, their reputation, the more I realized that this wasn’t just a company. It was a legacy. The kind of place where people stayed because they believed in the mission.