x
Breaking News
More () »

911 dispatcher uses bodybuilding to manage stress

Wendy Massey, a 911 call center professional, has managed to build a better version of herself by taking on the weight of her commitment to helping others.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The women and men who answer the calls at the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) in Columbus will tell you a call to 911 is often a connection to people in the worst situations.

The city’s primary public dispatch center has a staff of call takers, dispatchers, and communications specialists who are all highly skilled and trained to take action on more than a million #911 calls each year. 

Among them is Wendy Massey, who is a supervisor with nearly 30 years of experience in the center. Massey said skills that can help a person be successful include the ability to remain multi-task, focus, and react without panic. 

“You have to be able to leave the job here and not internalize it,” Massey said.

Massey lets it all out five to six days a week at the gym. She builds strength in the weight room. What started as a hobby in 2017 has launched her center stage to the professional ranks of bodybuilding. 

The 55-year-old is an award-winning contestant often taking first place in her division. She said she is proof that it is never too late to advocate for your health and fitness.

Local News: Recent Coverage ⬇️

📧 Subscribe to the Wake Up CBUS newsletter featuring the best stories, personally curated by members of our staff and delivered via email by 6 a.m., Monday through Friday.

📺 10TV+ is available for free on Roku & Amazon Fire TV: Stay up to date on what's happening in your community with a 24/7 live stream and on demand content from 10TV — available on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.

Before You Leave, Check This Out