An interview with Caitlin Earl, first responder for Gadsden, AL Police & Girls’ Ranch resident from 2009-2014.
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- Caitlin in 2009 at the Girls’ Ranch
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- Caitlin on the job
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- Caitlin with her husband, Brady & their 3 children
What lessons learned at Big Oak help in your position as a First Responder?
One of the many quotes from my housedad was “press on.” I think of this constantly. Being a 911 Operator/Dispatcher, not every day is flowers and rainbows. There are many hard days when I constantly have to tell myself to “press on,” pick up my shoulders, keep going, and remind myself why I do what I do.
Are there any moments in your life that help you relate and assist during emergency situations?
I had a moment in my life when I had to call 911. At that moment I was terrified, distraught, and scared. The way that calltaker spoke to me and brought my emotions in check has always stuck with me. In my job I have spoken to a caller exactly like I was that day, and I was able to know that my voice and the way I spoke to that caller would affect them and could change their entire situation.
What gifts or talents do you bring to your job and those working with you?
I take pride in my work ethic and drive to do the best job I know how to do. I love to constantly learn new things about my job. I own up to my own mistakes and take corrective criticism very well.
Is there a particular call or calls that are especially difficult and how did you work through those moments?
There are difficult calls in this field. People don’t call 911 to ask how your day is. They are calling because they are going through an extremely rough moment in their life. One call seriously affected me to the point I had to walk out of the office and cry out to the Lord. As I left work that morning, Lauren Daigle’s song You Say was on the radio. I felt it was my answer from the Lord. He was reminding me that everything is in His plan.
How do you productively process working with people during their most traumatic moments in life?
We take pride in training, secondary education, and research. We are constantly learning new techniques and coping mechanisms to be able to continue.
Do you have a favorite story to share from your position as a First Responder?
I once received a call from an elderly woman who called just to tell me that I was extremely appreciated and that I was doing a great job. This woman didn’t know me personally, nor had I ever taken a call from her. It was so uplifting to be reminded that my job didn’t go completely without notice from others.
