TOMS RIVER — The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for its upcoming Basic Telecommunicator Course and Emergency Medical Dispatch certification program, offering residents an opportunity to train for careers as 9-1-1 call takers and emergency dispatchers.
The 40-hour state-approved course will run from March 1 through March 26, 2026, with evening classes held from 6 to 10 p.m. Training will take place at the Ocean County Office of Emergency Management at Robert J. Miller Air Park in Berkeley Township.
The program provides instruction in handling emergency calls for law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services, including how to properly answer, prioritize and dispatch calls. Participants will also receive training in pre-arrival emergency medical instructions, along with hands-on exercises and demonstrations. Course materials will be provided on the first night of class.
A CPR certification session is scheduled during the course on March 15. Students are expected to attend class in business casual attire.
Enrollment is limited to 30 students. The cost to attend is $125, which is refundable if a participant is later hired by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office. Registration will close on February 25, 2026, or earlier if the class reaches capacity.
Graduates who are hired can earn an annual salary of approximately $50,000 after one year of employment, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Applications are available online, and additional information can be obtained by contacting the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office at 732-929-2044.
