ALBANY, NY - When you pick up your phone in an emergency situation and call 911 in the City of Albany, you connect to one of the telecommunication specialists who immediately begin getting your information to relay to the Fire Department, EMS, and/or the Police Department.

One of those telecommunication specialists is retiring after 33.5 years of serving the citizens of the City of Albany, as well as the firefighters, EMS personnel, and Police Officers. Telecommunication Specialist Laura Deming is the longest serving female dispatcher in the history of the City of Albany. She has answered every type of call that has come in to the 911 dispatch center over her 33.5 years of service, including helping callers perform CPR, assisting with numerous childbirths, and also saving a couple over 20 years ago that was being held hostage in their apartment. She has also handled some of the city's biggest fires, including the Central Avenue fire that destroyed multiple homes, and the warehouse fire on Broadway.

When asked what she’s going to miss the most about coming to work every day, without hesitation Deming said, “coming to work with the best group of communications officers a person can ask for. This job is stressful, yet one of the most rewarding and fulfilling jobs you can have. We answer the calls of the community in their times of need and get help there as quickly as possible.”

Deming plans to go on a small relaxing vacation, take care of her mother, and spend lots of time with her grandkids during her retirement.

Telecommunication Specialist Laura Deming's last day on the radios of the City of Albany was August 16th. We wish Laura a happy, healthy, and long retirement!