The Gloucester Police Department recently recognized a longtime dispatcher for his decades of live-saving communications work with the department.
James P. Officer was recognized by the department during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, which ran April 12-18, for his nearly 40-year career of coordinating emergency responses and protecting lives daily.
Officer has spent a significant portion of his career as a 911 and emergency medical dispatcher and has trained several dispatchers as well.
“For nearly four decades, he has been a steady and trusted voice behind the scenes — often the first point of contact in someone’s worst moment,” Acting Chief Michael Williams said. “His ability to remain calm under pressure, make critical decisions, and guide both callers and officers has directly contributed to saving lives and ensuring the safety of our residents.”
In addition to his role as a dispatcher, Officer has served as a patrolman in Gloucester, making arrests and investigating motor vehicle accidents. He previously worked for the Essex Police Department, Rockport Ambulance as an EMT, and as a reserve officer in Wenham.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in public administration from Western New England College and maintains several advanced emergency communications certifications.
“His dedication, experience and leadership are invaluable to this department, to our other dispatchers, and to the City of Gloucester,” Williams said. “We are proud to honor him and thank him for his continued service.”