Driven: Phoenix Police Communications Operator Trish Keen

Press release from the City of Phoenix:

July 29, 2020

When you dial 911 from anywhere in the city, your call is answered by someone in the Phoenix Communications Bureau. Trish Keen is one of the communications operators that you hear on the other end of the line.

"The best part of the job is when we can catch the bad guys," Keen said. "The hardest part about the job is dealing with people that were innocent victims, whatever it is. Especially children and mental health issues."

Keen started with the department 30 years ago and did not plan on being with Phoenix for her entire career, but said she enjoyed the work and the people she worked with.

After 30 years of service in the bureau, Trish is hanging up her headset. But before she goes, we wanted to know what has kept her driven in this job.

"What's driven me for the last 30 years is my desire to help people, and make a difference, and be there when someone's having the worst day of their life," Keen explained. "And be able to help them. Whatever it is. And if I can't help them, get them to somebody who can."

Phoenix is hiring communications operators. If you are driven to make a difference, visit the Phoenix Police Department Recruiting Unit website. Find the Blue in You.

This press release was produced by the City of Phoenix. The views expressed here are the author’s own.