Emergency Response Portraits
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The Last Voice
Since I posted 'First Contact' a few weeks ago I've been receiving hundreds of emails from 911 operators all around the world. Some of the stories have made my toes curl. One thing that has stuck in my mind is the amount of times dispatchers hear a caller end their life while on the phone. They are 'The Last Voice' many people hear. Often they don't know what happens after the emergency crews arrive. Sometimes their only indication is when they are asked to call the Coroner.
Another terrifying situation is being on the phone with a victim that is being attacked and listening to them plead for help as they are being murdered. For dispatchers, they often are The Last Voice.
This is for all my Brothers and Sisters who dispatch us to our calls, you are one of us, you suffer the same emotional torment and celebrate with us when we have a save. You are not forgotten or unsung in my books. Thank you for what you do.
DanSun
Brian Durden Sr.
on December 9, 2016I've been that guy, and at times I still am. Thank you for your dedication to creating pieces like this. For some of us it's a grim reminder of those bad calls, but, it's the only way those that don't do it can begin to understand it.
B.S. Durden Sr.
Jennee Nixon
on February 8, 2015Would love to see a dispatcher/human two sided viewpoint. The back head image of a dispatcher and all of their screens. And then a front face image of a dispatcher with headset and maybe a tear or two. Your images are SO POWERFUL. Thank you for bringing us up to the front. So often dispatchers are forgotten. Thank you again.
Crystal Moore
on February 7, 2015a lot of these I can relate to
Julie Vaughn Blair
on February 6, 2015You touch the very soul of emotion in your art that anyone working in emergency services feel. You are truly blessed with a talent and it is appreciated you share it with us. Thank you so much for remembering us and understanding the grief that a 911 dispatcher can feel. Beautiful!!
nelli
on February 6, 2015totally stunning
Denise M Skewes
on February 6, 2015Dan, you are an incredible artist. Never have I been so touched by an artist. I was a 911 Operator for 22 years and I also rode an Volunteer ambulance for several years. You have captured the essence of all emergency workers and the feelings we deal with. And yes, I have been the last voice. I am retired 12 years and I still hear his voice and the fire crackling and burning the phone lines. It never goes away. Thank you for your beautiful and griping artwork. You are an amazing artist. Thank you.