GFPD 911 Hiring Blitz #2 5/21/2025
May 21, 2025
911 Hiring Blitz #2
For Immediate Release
GREAT FALLS, Montana – The Great Falls / Cascade County Emergency Communications Center (GF/CC 911 Center) is hosting a special hiring event, designed to fast track applicants who want to join the 911 team. Qualified applicants could leave the event, with an invitation to take the next steps to become a 911 Dispatcher. This unique event will trim up to six weeks off processing time, versus that of a candidate who applies through traditional methods.
911 centers across the country are struggling to hire and retain Emergency Dispatchers. A study released by the International Academies of Dispatch and the National Association of State 911 Administrators reports that more than half of 911 centers in the United States are facing a genuine staffing emergency. This shortage is affecting centers of all sizes across the country, including the GF/CC 911 Center.
The event idea originated with Kelly Johanneck, Deputy Director of the GF/CC 911 Center, who said, “We’ve reached a critical staffing stage at the 911 Center and I recognize there is an opportunity to switch up the way we’ve been hiring Dispatchers. In today’s world, everything moves so swift, I thought we should bend to that trend by making the first steps of the hiring process easy and fast. At the Hiring Blitz, we’ll have Dispatch recruiters, Human Resources representatives, and a notary, on site, ready to fast track qualified applicants.”
DETAILS: 911 Hiring Blitz – May 22, 2025 – 10am-2pm - 3015 Airport Dr, Great Falls
BLITZ HIGHLIGHTS
- No appointment necessary
- Complete online application, on site
- Complete pre-screening questionnaire, on site
- Complete required waivers, and get them notarized, on site
- Participate in an interview, on the spot
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Be prepared to complete the application (bring job and address history, references, etc.)
- Be prepared to participate in a job interview
- Bring a valid photo ID
911 DISPATCHER MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must pass a psychological evaluation, prior to employment
- Must pass an extensive background check, prior to employment
Learn more at https://joingreatfallspd.com/dispatcher/ or on Facebook, at Join Great Falls 911
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
911 HIRING BLITZ – TALKING POINTS
Great Falls / Cascade County Emergency Communications Center Facts
- Center employs 20 full-time Emergency Dispatchers, 1 Deputy Director, and 1 Director
- Center is staffed 24-7-365
- Serves approximately 40 agencies, across Cascade County
- Answer calls for law enforcement, fire, and medical incidents
- In 2024, dispatchers answered 34, 563 911 calls and 138,646 total incoming calls
What is the 911 Hiring Blitz?
- This is the second Blitz, first Blitz attracted 34 applicants, interviewed 16, hired one
- The blitz offers candidates a fast track to becoming a 911 dispatcher, cuts down about 6 weeks of processing time
- Applicants apply, do a preliminary background check, and interview on the spot
- HAPPENING May 22nd, taking applications 10am-2pm, at 911 Center 3015 Airport Dr
Position Details
- Must be at least 18
- Must be willing to work all shifts
- Must adhere to tattoo policy
- Must pass an extensive background investigation, no felonies
- Must excel in customer service, compassion, multi-tasking, knowledge retention, sense of urgency
- No experience necessary, all training provided
- Will spend the first year on probation
- Uniform shirt provided
- City of Great Falls stellar benefits package
What is a 911 Dispatcher?
- They are investigators, emergency responders, and a lifeline in a moments of crisis
- They are trained to de-escalate panic, calm terrified callers, and offer reassurance in the most chaotic moments
- Whether it’s guiding someone through an intruder situation, helping a parent revive their unresponsive child, or supporting a victim in their darkest hour, dispatchers are the steady, compassionate presence that keeps communities safe
- They are the first, first responders – doing everything they can to bring order to the worst moments of someone’s life
