Pagers

[Guest guest]

,

About four years ago, I got a pager that I paid for myself. This cost me

$20 a month. At the time, only certain people (high administrators and CID)

were able to get pagers in my department, so I didn't feel too bad that I

did not have one. I carried it just in case I was needed or if someone

called in sick or a piece of equipment failed. It was used some what - not

too terribly much, but the dispatchers liked having instant access to me. I

began kicking around the idea of buying a cell phone, but the service was

too expensive at the time.

About three years ago, the department bought pagers for some people that

(frankly) I didn't think needed them. (Our training and recruiting

department. They said they needed them so training could be set up easier

and applicants could contact them instantly). I didn't really begrudge them

these pagers, not really, except when our Crime Prevention personnel asked

for pagers (because alot of people DO try to contact them. They are VERY

active on campus), they were told that the cost was not justified by the

return. This didn't set very well with me. Also, voice mail for certain

KEY people was refused. At about this time, I had the opportunity to get a

cell phone at a cheap price. I couldn't afford to do both, so I cancelled

my pager and got a cell phone instead. I explained to the dispatchers why I

was doing this. Since it was a bag phone, I could only be contacted while I

was actually in the car. Not ideal but beggars can't be choosers.

About two years ago, since the fact did not have a pager was hampering the

dispatcher's ability to contact me when I was away from home and away from

the cell phone. So I sent up a written request to my boss to get a pager.

He also added another person to the request, which was summarily rejected.

When was fired in June, we lost the cheap cell phone service I was

using.

So I am now pagerless AND cellphoneless. I was asked yesterday if I had a

pager by my associate director. I told him no, that I was told I didn't

need one. Yes, I am bitter about it. I am supervise one of the most

important division in the department. I am in charge of very important

equipment. My direct subordinates are not in supervisory positions and work

on every shift. I NEED A PAGER! But I'll be dogged if I'm going to pay for

it out of my own pocket! I'm done with buying stuff with my own money.

*thank you for letting me vent.....*

annette hallmark

ahallmark@...