Insider Stories: ‘Dispatcher by Day,
Weightlifter by Night’
When many San Francisco residents think of first responders, they probably picture paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), firefighters, and police officers. But we know there is a first first responder behind the scenes who handles things before anyone arrives to an emergency: the 9-1-1 dispatcher.
Public Safety Dispatcher Delanie Groll has been with DEM for six years and a dispatcher for nine. But Delanie was introduced to the world of emergency services much earlier. She and her two sisters came from a public safety bloodline; her father was a firefighter for Contra Costa County and her mother worked at Oakland’s Department of Emergency Services.
Her favorite thing about being a dispatcher? It challenges her. However, the biggest challenge in her life right now is her training for the National Masters Weightlifting Championship.
Delanie fell in love with weightlifting after going to the gym and taking part in CrossFit in 2010 where she began grueling daily trainings. When the women at her gym suggested participating in the qualification round for the national competition in Georgia, she felt noncommittal. Little did she know, she qualified!
A dispatcher by day and weightlifter by night, her work-life balance is packed with long days. Her training regimen and diet requires a fine sense of control and discipline. But she has found a community of people who motivate and engage her competitive spirit to propel further.
Congratulations Delanie on your incredible achievement!