Having a sense of humor while working in the Office of Public Safety isn’t mandatory, but it helps. Just ask Hal Rushing, ASU public safety dispatcher, who has been employed with ASU for 10 years.
Mr. Rushing uses a computer-aided dispatch system to keep a record of all police calls and through the department radio console he is in direct contact with public safety officers. “I can tell the officers where to go,” he says jokingly.
He assists in conducting background investigations, checking vehicle registrations, and preparing monthly and weekly reports that are sent to the Georgia Crime Information Center. Mr. Rushing also administers an 18-part workbook examination to new employees.
Mr. Rushing also keeps track of found property. “We do our best to locate the owner if the items are identifiable.”
He recalls one particular incident where a young lady who had lost her high school ring, “was so tickled that it was found that she ran around to my office and gave me a hug.”
The Monticello, Miss., native claims that he was “country when country wasn’t cool.” He and his wife, Clarette, enjoy camping in their recreational vehicle around Clarks Hill. He also enjoys riding motorcycles and playing with his grandchildren.
Mr. Rushing retired from the Army in 1996 as a sergeant major. He recalls two Army assignments in particular, one where he was able to attend the Tulip Festival in Holland and a three year assignment in Alaska. “I can remember seeing moose walk through our yard,” he says.
“The next time I retire, I’m going to take the blade off my lawnmower and ride down the road wearing overalls and my John Deere hat,” he laughs.
Name: Hal Rushing
Position: Public Safety Dispatcher
How long at ASU: 10 years
What do you like most about ASU: “I enjoy the daily contact with people.”
Staff Profile