911? KCPD Call Taker Finds Success, Purpose In New Career

Image of Austin Sanabria

When the phone rings, Call Taker Austin Sanabria knows he might be seconds away from helping save a life.

“I’m the first person people get when they call 911 and I distribute it out, Sanabria said. “You need an ambulance. I’ll get you over to them.”

Sanabria is one of KCPD’s call takers who collectively answer approximately one million calls per year. The high volume is part of the identity of being in a major city and working for a major city police department. It also comes with advantages.

“Because it’s the biggest agency in the area, I knew I would get the best training and experience here,” Sanabria said. “KCPD’s size and experience led me here. It’s why I chose it over other agencies.”

The Kansas City native saw an advertisement for the job opening, knowing he wanted to help people. With his customer service mindset, Sanabria figured call-taking and dispatching would be a good fit. A year into his career, he was right.

Sanabria acknowledges that working as a call taker is challenging. Callers might be in dire need of help, and some may displace their feelings. But quickly, Sanabria has sharpened his skills of deflecting negativity. His purpose, after all, is to make his community better.

“You have to keep an open mind with every situation,” Sanabria explained. “People come at you upset with their problems and they let it out at you. But you have to keep an open mind, still be helpful, and help them in their situation.”

KCPD is grateful for all of the men and women who serve as call takers and dispatchers, serving Kansas City. To apply for a position, click here.