DURING NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK, CSLEA IS SHINING THE SPOTLIGHT ON ITS PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHERS AND COMMUNICATIONS OPERATORS!  THESE BEHIND-THE-SCENES FIRST RESPONDERS HAVE A VITAL ROLE IN PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE.

CSLEA/CHP-PSDA Member Christine Johnson, a public safety dispatcher at CHP

By CSLEA/CHP-PSDA Member Christine Johnson, Public Safety Dispatcher, Los Angeles Communications Center

LOS ANGELES - Wait !!! Say what ? 10-9. Doctor your 10-1.  "Christine, you have breast cancer." .... And this is how my journey as a Pink Warrior began May 27, 2015 ...

As a 25-year employee of the California Highway Patrol, I have dealt with countless emergency situations, but now I have an emergency. How am I going to handle this?

I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.  I was given different options, but I elected for a double mastectomy. Drastic yes, but this was the best option for me.
 

I endured four surgeries over a four-month period due to complications of necrosis and a very bad infection.

During this time my faith never wavered.  Even through the down times I knew I would get through this.

My support system was PHENOMENAL! My husband, family, and my LACC CHP FAMILY stood by my side.  They took me to doctors’ appointments, cooked  and kept a smile on my face.

Today, I am cancer free and back to saying "911 emergency what are you reporting?"  very thankful and all with a smile.