LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The city of Louisville's emergency service needs for telecommunicators who can provide lifesaving instruction to those in their most dire moments.

MetroSafe, Louisville's 911 headquarters, announced last Friday the application period is now open for the upcoming training academy. Telecommunicators answer critical 911 calls ranging from cardiac arrest to fires, shootings and car accidents. No previous experience is required, and applicants must be at least 18.

Justin Bagby has been a MetroSafe dispatcher for more than six years. Bagby, whose mother was a paramedic and father a police officer, wanted to help his community. 

"To help people, to make a difference for people on the worst day of their lives," Bagby said. "It's very rewarding anytime I get to help anybody."

Bagby has a high-stress job because at times it's literally life or death.

He sees 911 calls ranging from cardiac arrests to shootings, fires, and car accidents.

"You're the first to know what's going on," Bagby said. "You're the first first responder, literally."

He said sometimes, callers will reach back out to say thank you after an emergency.

"Right there is proof that I made a difference," Bagby said. 

The number of dispatchers affects how long callers have to wait. A shortage of call takers can result in long response time for police, firefighters and EMS.

"It can have an impact on the community, especially when we have a big event like the Old National Bank shooting," Bagby said. "But, we will get to every caller eventually."

MetroSafe is facing a shortage of dispatchers and call takers partially because of retirements. The city's emergency services has around 40 openings it's looking to fill, a 27% shortage in staffing.

"We need people now to help make an impact on our community," Bagby said. "It would get first responders to them faster, which would get them help faster."

The center has received more than 150 applications in the past month. Trainees will be selected from applications, and will need to pass a drug test and polygraph test to be eligible for the training academy. Trainees will undergo a 180-hour paid training academy, held during the day. Pay during the training process is $22.31/hour.

As part of the hiring process, trainees will be given a civil service test, undergo a criminal background check, a panel interview, job shadowing and suitability training. 

Trainees who successfully complete training will be granted full-time employment with MetroSafe. Call takers start at $24.48 an hour and dispatchers start at $27.25 an hour. Louisville Metro offers a $8,000 hiring incentive paid in installments upon hiring.

Trainees get $4,000 after initial training, $2,000 after they complete a year, and another $2,000 after completing an additional year.

To apply, click here. 

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