Some people grow up knowing they’re meant to help others. For PLCC alum Kelcey Showalter, that calling started early with a dream of becoming a Firefighter/Paramedic. Today, Kelcey serves the community in a different way – one she never expected, but now can’t imagine living without.
Kelcey became an Emergency Dispatcher.
What makes Kelcey’s journey so inspiring is that it didn’t begin in a busy communication center. It started right here at Portage Lakes Career Center, inside our Emergency Dispatch Program.
From the first day, the program felt real. Kelcey jumped into mock 911 calls, practiced radio communication, and learned to use CAD software – the same tools used in the field. This wasn’t just learning from a book; it was hands-on, real-world training that made everything click.
That training paid off.
When Kelcey entered the workforce, the environment felt familiar. The pace, the pressure, the expectations – she had already lived it in class. Kelcey even surprised her trainer by knowing CAD shortcuts, something learned during PLCC’s hands-on sessions. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, she stepped into her new role with confidence and a deep sense of purpose.
Kelcey began interviewing within the first month of the program and was officially sworn in just weeks after graduating. The hiring process can be lengthy, but the skills learned at PLCC helped Kelcey stand out.
Today, clear communication, active listening, multitasking, and staying calm under pressure are part of every shift. And those skills matter – because dispatchers are the steady voice people count on when moments turn frightening. Kelcey’s calm becomes someone else’s reassurance, and that impact is powerful.
Kelcey wishes more people knew just how much happens behind the scenes. While guiding someone through an emergency, dispatchers are often juggling several tasks at once. It’s challenging work, but meaningful in a way that’s hard to describe.
For anyone thinking about enrolling in the Dispatch Program this February, Kelcey has simple advice:
“Go for it. You’ll discover strengths you didn’t know you had.”
And if Kelcey could share one piece of wisdom with their younger self?
“Don’t be afraid to go after what you want. Your dreams might unfold differently than you imagined, but they can lead to something just as meaningful.”
Kelcey’s story is a reminder of what Career Tech Education can do – unlock potential, build confidence, and open the door to a career that truly makes a difference.
If you’re ready to step into a role that impacts your community every day, PLCC’s Dispatch Program is the perfect place to start. To learn more, visit us at bit.ly/plccemergdisp or contact 330.896.8102. A new class starts February, 2026.