the Bulletin April 2025

, EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Meet Dispatcher Morgan Austin! W hen Dispatcher Morgan Austin joined OC Sheriff nearly six years do,” she said. “I saw the dispatcher job opening and thought, why not?”

ago, she never expected to become the voice behind the radio, coordinating emergency responses and fielding urgent 911 calls. While dispatching wasn’t her original career plan, it has become a role where she thrives. Before becoming a dispatcher, Morgan served as a federal police officer with the United States Secret Service in the Uniformed Division; a role that placed her at the center of national security. “The Uniformed Division is in charge of protecting the White House,” Morgan said. “We also look after the Vice President’s residence, foreign missions and embassies, and provide security for national special security events. We’re out there for demonstrations, large disturbances, or anything that could pose a threat to major sites in Washington, D.C.” That experience shaped her law enforcement career and ignited a desire to continue serving in a different capacity when she moved to California. “I knew I wanted to stay in the field, I just didn’t know exactly what I wanted to

Morgan now serves as a critical link between the public and law enforcement, answering non-emergency and 911 calls for 13 cities and the county’s unincorporated areas, and dispatching deputies to calls for service. It’s a job that requires fast thinking, clear communication, and a capability to multitask. “No two days are the same,” she said. “You never know what kind of calls you’re going to get. I prefer when it’s really busy because it makes the day go by faster, and I really like the team I work with.” Morgan encourages anyone considering a dispatching career to take part in a sit along to get a feel for the job.

“Do a sit-along, whether it’s with our agency or another. Try multiple agencies. Some people prefer working one city, others like handling an entire county. You’ll find where you fit best,” she said. She also wants people to better understand the vital, and sometimes overlooked, role dispatchers play. “I think dispatchers can be underappreciated,” she said. “But it’s definitely an important and rewarding career, especially if you make the most out of it.” Outside of work, Morgan enjoys cooking, reading, spending time with her family, and relaxing with her two dogs. Thank you for your dedication to OC Sheriff and keep up the great work, Morgan!

the BULLETIN •APRIL 2025 | page 5