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Fire Rescue Dispatcher Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Dispatcher I

Isle Of Wight, VA · On-site

$42K - $56K/yr

Description The Dispatcher receives incoming phone calls to law enforcement and Fire/EMS agencies ... fire, rescue, or first response personnel); Contacts and dispatches the correct agency; Provides ...

Communications Officer

Stafford, VA · On-site

$54K - $94K/yr

... dispatch, dispatch action and disposition of calls or requests. Maintains confidentiality of all matters concerning law enforcement, fire, rescue and other public safety and emergency operations.

... dispatch action and disposition of calls or requests. • Maintains confidentiality of all matters concerning law enforcement, fire, rescue and other public safety and emergency operations. • ...

Answer 9-1-1 emergency and other calls from the community as well as dispatching police, fire and rescue and sheriff's office resources Make lifesaving decisions and provide clear direction and ...

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Fire Rescue Dispatcher information

What is a fire rescue dispatcher?

Fire Rescue Dispatchers are emergency communication professionals who receive and process calls for fire, rescue, and medical assistance. They coordinate the deployment of fire and rescue units, relay critical information to first responders, and provide instructions to callers during emergencies. Their role requires strong communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and familiarity with emergency procedures and technology. Dispatchers are often the first point of contact in a crisis and play a vital role in ensuring public safety.

How does a fire rescue dispatcher typically collaborate with emergency response teams during high-pressure situations?

Fire Rescue Dispatchers play a crucial role in coordinating emergency response by maintaining clear and constant communication with firefighters, paramedics, and law enforcement officers. During high-pressure incidents, dispatchers relay critical information, update teams on changing conditions, and prioritize multiple calls to ensure resources are allocated efficiently. They must remain calm, multitask effectively, and use specialized dispatch software to monitor units in real time. This collaboration is essential for ensuring quick, organized, and effective emergency responses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire rescue dispatcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Rescue Dispatcher, you need excellent multitasking abilities, strong decision-making skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, sometimes supplemented by public safety telecommunications certification. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication tools, and emergency response protocols is essential. Outstanding communication, composure under pressure, and effective problem-solving set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure rapid, clear, and accurate emergency response coordination, which can directly impact public safety and outcomes.

What is the difference between Fire Rescue Dispatcher vs Emergency Medical Dispatcher?

AspectFire Rescue DispatcherEmergency Medical Dispatcher
Required CertificationsEmergency Medical Dispatch certification often preferredEmergency Medical Dispatch certification required
Work EnvironmentCoordinate fire and rescue responses, often in fire stations or dispatch centersCoordinate medical emergencies, typically in dispatch centers
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesEMS agencies, hospitals, emergency services
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to similar emergency dispatch rolesRelated but focuses on medical emergencies

Fire Rescue Dispatchers primarily coordinate fire and rescue responses, while Emergency Medical Dispatchers focus on medical emergencies. Both roles require emergency dispatch certifications and work in similar environments, often within emergency services. The main difference lies in the type of emergencies handled—fire rescue versus medical—making each role specialized within the broader emergency response system.

What are popular job titles related to Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs in Virginia?

For Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Fire Rescue Dispatcher job openings:

Infographic showing various Fire Rescue Dispatcher job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Dispatcher

The Dispatcher receives incoming phone calls to law enforcement and Fire/EMS agencies and on the E-911 system and dispatches the appropriate agency in order to respond to the need for assistance in a twenty-four hour operation. The incumbent's work significantly impacts the safety of the general public and the responding agency personnel.

Examples of Duties
  • Receives and screens incoming calls to both law enforcement and Fire/EMS agencies; and the emergency 911 system;
  • Answers questions and/or refers caller to appropriate staff;
  • Obtains information from E-911 callers and determines the appropriate agency to respond to the need for assistance (police, fire, rescue, or first response personnel);
  • Contacts and dispatches the correct agency;
  • Provides responding agency with available information in order to ensure that personnel have information needed to respond appropriately and to help ensure officer safety;
  • Logs incoming calls and dispatch information in an automated system and operates VCIN terminal;
  • Enters information pertinent to incoming calls, responding agency personnel, etc.; (May enter incident reports completes by Sheriff's deputies/officers);
  • Notifies jurors of impending duty;
  • Works nights, weekends, and holidays as required;
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
  • Observe all approved safety and health policies and procedures pertaining to his/her work activities and perform all work tasks in a safe and healthy manner in accordance with County policy.

Physical Demands The work is sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Requires the use of fingers, hearing, lifting, mental acuity, repetitive motion, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience: Requires a High School Diploma/ GED, and one (1) year of work experience.

Supplemental Information

Please Note: All County employees may be required to report to serve our customers during emergency conditions. While some will perform their regular duties, others may be assigned to report at a different time and location and to perform different duties from their regular jobs. Employees will either be deemed essential personnel and provide services that must continue regardless of or pursuant to a state of emergency or will be deemed nonessential personnel that will be required to report to work in an emergency if they receive an assignment to shelter duty or other duty.