VAN ALSTYNE, Texas (KTEN) — 911... what is your emergency?

"Put yourself in the shoes of the caller. Being able to kind of picture yourself in that situation." , said Amanda Brock Van Alstyne dispatcher. 

Police departments nationwide are highlighting dispatch first responders for the work they do behind the scenes.

At police stations like Van Alstyne Police Department, Lieutenant Steven Hayslip believes they make the team better.

"By them staying calm, they're able to help them even in emergencies that include fire department or EMS is being called. They're able to give CPR instructions. They're able to give instructions on how to deal with certain situations." , said Lieutenant Haylsip. 

They're the first people to keep callers safe on the other line where seconds could feel like minutes.

As your heart races and adrenaline is pumping.

"Getting them to take a breath and explain, ok, we have help on the way, but I'm going to ask them a few more questions. Me asking them additional questions is not delaying first responders at all we have them on the way, but we need to get them more information." , said Brock. 

Even helping Van Alstyne police officer Parker Johnson when he's in the field.

"If I think that a pursuits gonna come out uh I know that my heart rates gonna get a little spike and I get amped up just a little bit. One time the dispatcher heard me on there and asked immediately right off the rip just cause my tone of voice. Do you need me to send somebody out there with you? " , said Officer Johnson. 

Officer Johnson also believes without the dispatch team law enforcement could arrive at a scene not knowing what could happen next.