In a reflection of his four decades on the job, State Patrol dispatcher John Hutchins shared a panoramic view of his experiences handling Minnesota's most pressing emergency calls. Hutchins, who is set to retire in May, recounted tales ranging from the harrowing to the peculiar, illustrating the unpredictable flux of a dispatcher's workday. "You can go from zero to 60 right now," Hutchins described in a statement obtained by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
As National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week looms, slated for April 13-19, the state's dispatchers are poised to receive their due recognition. In 2024 alone, Minnesota State Patrol dispatchers at their Roseville and Rochester centers answered close to 190,000 calls, contributing to a statewide total of 2.8 million 911 calls fielded that same year.
The relationships built over Hutchins's tenure are significant, with generations of state troopers counting on his guidance. "I just have to knock on wood that every single trooper has gone home at the end of their shift when I've been working," Hutchins told Minnesota Department of Public Safety. "That’s been the most rewarding thing. I hope I played a part in every one of them getting home safe. That’s number one."
As Hutchins gears up for his well-earned retirement, he lends advice to the public on interacting effectively with dispatchers during emergencies. Remaining calm and delivering clear information on the emergency, including locations and pertinent details, can expedite the dispatch process. “It’s going to be a much faster and better response if you can clearly articulate the issue and work with us,” Hutchins emphasized. He also encourages callers to be prepared to follow any instructions given and to hold until they are told to hang up, ensuring that help is delivered as swiftly as possible.
