First Responder: Communications Officer Frank Wheelehan

Name: Frank Wheelehan

D.O.B.:  4/12/1960

Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL

Rank/Title: Communications Officer

How long have you been with the Gulfport Police Department Communications Center?

Since October 10, 1994

What do you like about your job?

"It's never the same. Everyday brings something different. No two days are ever exactly alike. Being a one man operation, we do a lot more than the other agencies . . . we share all the duties."

What do you dislike about your job?

"People will call for the dumbest reason, but they won't call when help is needed. We need people calling us [for emergencies], we're here to come to your assistance."

What inspired you to become a communications officer?

"My brother was a dispatcher here. I was working at a convenience store and he was making more money. So, I came here."

What do you like about Gulfport?

"The people."

What do you want the general public to know about the Gulfport Police Department Communications Center?

"We can only do so much. We can't do our job without them. They have to understand, we can't be there right away depending on the severity of the call. We have to prioritize our calls."

Do you know a First Responder you think we should feature? E-mail editor Cherlene Willis at cherlene.willis@patch.com.