The Tribune is spotlighting local law enforcement and first responders.
Whether they are police officers, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel or dispatchers, these men and women in uniform are highly trained to serve and protect their communities.
Name: Briana Bryson
Age: 36
Hometown: Madera, California
Residence: Madison
Education: Madison Consolidated High School; Ivy Tech Community College (Associate of Science in general studies)
Occupation: 911 dispatcher for the Seymour Police Department (8 years); Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department (6½ years)
Years of service: 14½
What made you want to become a first responder?
My mom was a 911 dispatcher, which led me to apply when I was 20.
Did you have any influences in choosing your career?
My immediate family all held criminal justice jobs at different times.
What do you like about your current position?
I really enjoy the days where I feel like I’ve helped impact someone in a positive way, whether it’s helping with a more simple task or getting assistance to save a life.
What does it mean to you to serve your community and help people?
It fulfills me in ways that another job couldn’t.
Many people refer to first responders as heroes. Why would you consider a first responder heroic?
First responders are heroes because they purposefully put themselves in situations of people’s worst days and help them deal with those situations.
Do you have any hobbies outside of your day job?
I enjoy spending time with my family, hanging out and crafting with friends, watching my daughter play softball and going to car shows and drag strips with my son and husband.
Favorite music artist: Gary Allan
Favorite food: Mexican
Favorite TV show: “Blue Bloods”
Favorite movie: “A Walk to Remember”
Favorite vacation spot: Warm with a beach or the mountains of Tennessee
Role model: My dad
Best advice: Work hard to play hard