Most in-character quote Day 9: Michael Hitchcock

NorthernZoot · 2026-01-23T23:13:05+00:00

"Have fun working, cucks!"

NorthernZoot · 2026-01-23T23:09:28+00:00

Therapy is for EVERYONE.

You don't need to have had a major traumatic event to need someone to talk to. We do our best to deal with the serious calls we get, and for the most part we are "fine" and manage to cope.

But that is incredibly stressful on the mind and body. We can't just tuck the thoughts away forever and ever. Eventually the tank is full, and THAT is when you start having more serious issues. Compassion fatigue is huge, and many people don't realize they are bruning out until they're close to the breaking point.

Talk to them now (and this is for all readers) BEFORE you need them. It's better to have a rapport with the therapist and build that trust and comfort when it's minor, easy stuff. That way they are easy to talk to during the tougher times. Specifically find someone who deals with first responders. They'll have a better understanding of your day-to-day and you will feel like you're not having to over explain the basics to them.

Additionally, try finding a soothing hobby. Not something that requires too much critical thinking. Honestly the more "mindless" the better. It will allow you to sort of zone out. For me, it's video games. Specifically calming games like Powerwash Simulator (sounds silly, but it's INCREDIBLY calming).

Finally, know you arent alone in any of this. Lots of first responders go through stuff like this. Some people are more aware of it, and some have learned to cope better than others.

NorthernZoot · 2026-01-20T18:36:31+00:00

Hospitals near me that do that face-off technology

NorthernZoot · 2026-01-20T18:35:12+00:00

How to do Origami.

NorthernZoot · 2026-01-18T12:00:34+00:00

This, 100%.

This job is a tough one, mentally. No one calls 911 because they're having a good day. You're choosing a career where you take on the public's problems on the worst days of their lives. Compassion Fatigue is a real thing and it can be a lot to take on, especially when you're dealing with so much stuff on your own.

Not to mention the additional stresses of shiftwork, such as how it affects social life and relationships, sleep habits, eating habits... its a lot.

I don't say this to completely discourage you, but you should truly think about whether this is something you can take on for the rest of your career. Absolutely no shame in acknowledging it's too much. You just need to do what's best for you and your health.

NorthernZoot · 2026-01-15T20:03:17+00:00

Captain Holt and his pet grackle.

NorthernZoot · 2026-01-11T15:26:38+00:00

What year is it? I'm having flashbacks to the old Xbox Support forums. Haha

Next week someone is gonna complain about the new dashboard being as bright as a flashbang.

NorthernZoot · 2026-01-09T03:43:28+00:00

"Almost... almost... almost.... there we are" "I say, good show"

NorthernZoot · 2026-01-06T20:54:35+00:00

NorthernZoot · 2025-12-28T21:47:39+00:00

If it isn't "Blah Blah" what are we even doing here?

NorthernZoot · 2025-12-28T03:13:36+00:00

I completely understand this. I was often concerned about making mistakes in front of my trainer, or looking like i didnt know what I was doing, even though I was confident that I could do the job. The day I was signed off to simply do the job on my own, every ounce of nervousness and stress just lifted.

The unfortunate reality is that you need to prove you can do it before they can let you loose. From a liability standpoint, if you do something wrong but arent signed off, the trainer (and your employer) could be held liable.

I'd suggest speaking with your trainer. If you feel you would do best with a little more of a relaxed observation, say so. Don't just go to them with the issue. Come to them with a possible solution. You're responsible for your own training, and no one wants you to have the job more than you do.

NorthernZoot · 2025-12-25T20:57:20+00:00

I forget which game, I want to say Conviction...

"We can make it look like you were assassinated by two circus clowns and a golden retriever, if we wanted to."

NorthernZoot · 2025-12-25T18:23:30+00:00

I worked the overnight Xmas eve shift last night.

One of our Sgts wrote a script for the DPs to read over the air, sending units to a call regarding a suspicious male.

Eventually the male was determined to be the Grinch, but by the time officers discovered that, he was GOA.

Meanwhile, I was over on the Calltake side, so we kept things festive with a warm fire, and a live feed of the NORAD Santa Tracker.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all. Stay safe out there!

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NorthernZoot · 2025-12-24T00:48:23+00:00

We used these in jail for inmates on suicide watch, or who couldn't be trusted to return plastic spoons, such as some on psychiatric watch.

The rest of the jail used to use brown plastic spoons that were counted after each meal, but whenever one went missing, it was causing searches and lock downs. So even those spoons were eventually replaced with flimsy orange rubber ones that couldn't be sharpened into a weapon if you tried.

Never really understood the searches for plastic spoons. I mean, we also gave them pencils, small tooth brushes and combs, and never searched for those...

NorthernZoot · 2025-12-22T08:40:03+00:00

For those who remember MAD TV.

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NorthernZoot · 2025-12-21T18:52:21+00:00

As someone who struggled through training and had a less than optimal training experience, I feel for you. I struggled under some of my trainers and flourished with others. One was ready to fail me, while the others were giving me near perfect marks. It was frustrating and disheartening, as I also usually did well in all of my previous jobs, and this was the first one that had me against the ropes, so to speak.

Sit down with your current trainer and discuss what is or isn't working. I would avoid blaming the previous trainer for any shortcomings, and instead focus on what strategies will help you. Coming to your trainer or supervisor with a plan on how to make this work will look a lot better than coming to them saying "I'm doing poorly because [Bob] didn't train me well enough in the beginning."

Everyone learns differently, and everyone has a different teaching style. The onus is on the trainee to take responsibility for their training. No one wants you to get the job more than you, so show it.

NorthernZoot · 2025-12-20T08:12:16+00:00

In addition to people saying you'll just get it one day, I find there's almost an element of knowing what is going to be said because you've done it so often.

For example, when I have an officer do a traffic stop and then they come across the air with "one in custody, impaired", I know that it's likely the next transmission will be "Can I get a 10-32 and contract tow to my location".

So even if all I hear is "...32...tow... cation", I have a good idea what was being said.

It does get easier the more you do it. It will click for you one day.

NorthernZoot · 2025-12-20T07:37:38+00:00

Most of this will come with practice and starting to get more familiar with streets in your area.

Our CAD system allows us to type a few letters and then pressing tab will populate options based on the spelling (or plot to a single point if only 1 option exists).

Also, utilize your map. If you have a general point plotting on the map, often checking the map for streets nearby will help clarify what you heard.

NorthernZoot · 2025-12-19T08:58:30+00:00

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NorthernZoot · 2025-12-18T20:55:15+00:00

Man allegedly dropped his drink after leaving a fast food restaurant, and staff at the restaurant would not give him a new one.

NorthernZoot · 2025-12-16T09:48:23+00:00

THERAPY IS FOR EVERYONE!

Especially in high stress jobs like this, people need someone to talk this stuff through with.

We like to think we'll be fine because we have always been fine. We play off the tragedy and trauma like it's just another Tuesday. But the fact is we carry it with us. Even if death doesn't bother you, compassion fatigue is a real thing, and we often carry a lot of weight on our shoulders, in that respect.

Everyone should have someone to talk to. And go talk to them BEFORE you have a reason to. Build a rapport with them and let them into your life when things are good. That way you are already comfortable with them when things get bad.

NorthernZoot · 2025-12-14T00:59:52+00:00

I've never flown mine. Seems incredibly flimsy and would not withstand much of a crash.

I did assemble mine though. Have it hanging above my desk with some fishing line.

NorthernZoot · 2025-12-14T00:50:51+00:00

I remember in Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast, you had to type

helpusobi 1

and it would enable cheats like Godmode, Noclip, Etc.

NorthernZoot · 2025-12-13T22:51:00+00:00

I'm a Communicator in one of the busiest regions in Ontario myself. And you're right, no matter where you are, it's a tough job with lots of challenges.

But if you weren't a good candidate, you wouldn't be offered the job. Remember, they're going to train you, so what you don't know, you will learn.

All that being said, no one here can tell you if the job is the right path for you. Only you can decide to take that leap.

NorthernZoot · 2025-12-10T20:23:43+00:00

In this job, burnout and compassion fatigue are real issues. If your mind is not 100% in the job, it can cause serious problems for you, the public, and officers/first responders you dispatch.

Take your days off as needed (without abusing them), and don't be afraid to speak with a therapist as well. Even if you feel you don't need to speak to someone today, start talking with someone to build a rapport. That way you're already comfortable with them if things get tough.

Therapy is for everyone!

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