Someone You Should Know

Sandra Pardridge, Police Telecommunicator
Department of Public Safety

Sandra Pardridge has been working as a police telecommunicator for the Department of Public Safety for 10 years.

What are the responsibilities of your position?
I answer all calls that come into the police department, including 911 calls. I monitor radio traffic from officers and deal with the public.

How did you choose your profession?
I applied for this job, not knowing what was involved until I trained, but I really enjoy it.

What is the best part about your job?
It is never boring. Every day brings new challenges.

What's something unique about your position?
I have the ability and resources to help those in need. One minute everything is running smoothly, and the next phone call is a life and death situation. This is a high intensity, adrenaline-rush job, and I would not work anywhere else.

If you weren't in your current job field, what would you be doing?
I would be a professional pastry chef.

What are you reading?
I am reading Anne Rice's newest novel.

What music are you listening to lately?
All types. I have teenage daughters, so I try to keep up with them. My favorite is classic rock of the '70s.

Do you have a favorite TV show?
I like "ER" and "The X-Files."

Any words to live by?
Don't expect any more from others than you are not willing to do yourself.

Is there a staff member you'd like to see profiled in the Someone You Should Know column? Send suggestions to northerntoday@niu.edu