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# Letter: Former dispatcher disputes fire chiefs' account of 911 transfer
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/bill-bauer-send-comments-to-editor-smdp-com-my-write-fire-chiefs-spin-was-alarming-editor/
- Published: 2007-02-19T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T00:05:01.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Jeff Altman Former Santa Monica fire dispatcher*

Regarding “The 411 on the 911” by Kevin Herrera (Feb. 10-11, page 3), I was shocked by some of the statements attributed to Fire Chief Jim Hone and Deputy Fire Chief Bruce Davis. Until recently, I was a Santa Monica fire dispatcher for more than 12 years. Chief Hone’s implication that 911 callers did not receive medical instructions from Santa Monica Dispatchers while paramedics were en route to calls is false. Santa Monica fire dispatchers were trained in Emergency Medical Dispatch (pre-arrival instructions), used pre-arrival instruction manuals located at both dispatch consoles to guide callers through medical emergencies (including CPR/rescue breathing, control of bleeding, control of shock, child birth, burn care and many other types of emergencies) and received EMT, and later EMD, bonus pay for doing so.

Even more shocking is the following quote attributed to Deputy Fire Chief Bruce Davis: “No dispatchers lost their jobs due to the transfer.” Actually, all four fire dispatchers did lose their jobs. In fact, we were shown the door in the way one would dismiss a trespasser from his property. This was particularly disappointing to two dispatchers whose combined service to the department totaled almost 30 years. The fact is that neither Chief Hone nor Deputy Chief Davis had anything to do with all four dispatchers eventually obtaining city jobs.

My three coworkers and I applied for city positions and went through the standard civil service process that included written and practical exams and oral interviews, just as any other person would when applying for a position in the city. Neither Chief Hone nor Chief Davis offered any assistance.

Perhaps Chief Davis’ alleged statement was intended to enhance the department’s reputation and soften public opinion. The fact is, the fire department is already highly regarded by the public, and I would argue it was unnecessary for Chief Davis to make this statement.

The suggestion that citizens or visitors to Santa Monica did not receive the highest level of care when calling 911 is an insult to the dedication and professionalism of those who served as Santa Monica fire dispatchers.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 19, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/021907.pdf?ref=smdp.com)