JimmieJoe

August 2, 2019. After 25 years, 3 weeks, and 12 hours, I’m officially retired. Here’s a look back at some of what I saw.

This is what I looked like in my life before dispatch. My immediately previous job was at a liquor/convenience store here in Visalia. Seven years saw a lot of people get rang up.

A few years in, here in the late 1990’s. I’m working channel two, the north end of Tulare County. As you can see, I’ve already lost some hair, but no grey just yet!

Sometime before 2007. I’ve lost more hair, and down to a goatee and mustache. The grey was creeping in. Over 30 20″ CRT monitors in a tiny room. Yes, it got warm.

Pre-remodel dispatch station. Motorola radio console. We’ve moved to flat screens, and reduced the heat in the room.

Pre-2007, pre-remodel. Two radio operators on their channels, a couple of other call-takers hiding out of sight.

2005, and I’m the Dispatcher of the Year.

We went out on strike one year. The county just wasn’t working with us at all.

June, 2007 remodel in progress. We had to, Motorola no longer made parts for those consoles, and the radio guys were finding it harder and harder to acquire parts on E-Bay!

Wires, wires, wires. And asbestos. The room was originally the gym. The electricians had a hell of a time.

Almost done. July, 2007.

K-9 Daisy is a real charmer! Just don’t get on her bad side, bad guys!

Me at my favorite station. Bald, and grey in the beard. Official old-man status achieved!

In 2013, The Advocate Magazine ran an on-line feature, “Just another day at work in LGBT America.”

So almost 25 years, more hair gone, and bad posture from sitting in those chairs.

When I walked in on Friday August 2, 2019, this is what I found. It was a lie, though. I still had to do a 12 hour shift!

Undersheriff Sigley and the command staff stopped in to say congratulations and goodbye.

The sign says it all. It may be 25 years, 3 weeks, and 12 hours at Tulare County Sheriff, but I’ve been working since 1974! Time to kick back, and take it easy.

Sheriff Mike Boudreaux and Supervisor Amy Shuklian present me with a 25 year service appreciation plaque.

I’ll write some more later about my career and how retired life is treating me in the near future. Until then, if you need help, dial 9-1-1. I won’t be there to do anything, but if you call me at home, you’ll be S.O.L.