An interview with Laurie Hopper, first responder for Jefferson County, AL & Girls’ Ranch resident from 1992-1996.
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- Laurie in 1992 at the Girls’ Ranch
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- Laurie on the job
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- Laurie & Nate with their granddaughter
What lessons learned at Big Oak help in your position as a First Responder?
A huge lesson I learned is the importance of family and the thought that we are not going through life alone. Through my past experiences, I understand that a significant “event” can affect many things throughout one’s life. These events can differ from person to person, so I use that knowledge to provide the best possible response to every call, every time.
Are there any moments in your life that help you relate and assist during emergency situations?
Past events in my life aid in my ability to deal with hardship and adversity. I am able to get on someone’s level and talk people through hard times by offering support and encouragement.
What gifts or talents do you bring to your job and those working with you?
For several years I taught kids in a classroom setting. As I grew older, I found myself wanting a new challenge and felt that I had many other gifts and talents to give. Each day I am able to show compassion to callers and coworkers and I tend to be less judgmental than others. I am able to show courage and kindness, and I make efforts to build people up instead of tear them down.
Is there a particular call or calls that are especially difficult and how did you work through those moments?
We have frequent drug overdoses and suicide attempts. These calls are hard, especially when it’s a young person who I imagine has gotten lost in the world of drug use and untreated mental health issues, somewhere I could have easily been. I am able to work through these calls simply by knowing I’m there on the other end getting the person the help they need at that very moment.
How do you productively process working with people during their most traumatic moments in life?
It can be frustrating when an event occurs, knowing after I have the necessary help in route to someone, my job is finished. As dispatchers we hear about horrible events, we talk to people during their worst moments, we determine where they are and who to send to provide the most effective care, and then we are finished. I often wonder how some of the calls turned out or how the people are doing today. Sometimes this brings a sense of helplessness. I try not to ignore my feelings and talk things out when needed. Fortunately for me, I have friends and family who are also first responders and understand things that I may experience at work. I take comfort in the love and support from my friends, family and co-workers.
Do you have a favorite story to share from your position as a First Responder?
One of my favorite calls that I have answered so far came in from a little boy who wanted to report Fortnite for taking all his V-Bucks. He was very upset and just knew his mama was going to be mad he wasted them, so he wanted us to tell X Box to give them back.
