APRIL DODSON
Gilmer,TX
Summary
Dedicated law enforcement officer skilled in community policing, emergency response, and crime prevention. Committed to enhancing public safety through effective communication and collaboration with community members.
Detail-oriented professional with extensive experience in emergency response and dispatch coordination. Proven ability to manage high-pressure situations and ensure efficient communication between first responders and the community, driving improvements in public safety.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Law Enforcement Officer
Ore City Police Department
Ore City, TX
12.2025 - Current
- Conducted routine patrols to ensure community safety and deter criminal activity.
- Responded to emergency calls, providing immediate assistance and support to citizens.
- Documented incidents and prepared comprehensive reports for investigations and record-keeping.
- Collaborated with local agencies to enhance community policing efforts and foster partnerships.
- Engaged with community members to build trust and promote crime prevention initiatives.
- Answered emergency calls for help from citizens and business owners.
- Apprehended suspects by utilizing effective communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
- Completed comprehensive training courses in firearms proficiency, self-defense tactics, first aid response, crisis management, among others for professional growth as a law enforcement officer.
- Served as a dedicated public servant by upholding the law and protecting citizens, fostering a sense of safety and security within the community.
- Patrolled assigned areas to prevent and detect roadway crimes.
- Apprehended suspects, read Miranda Rights, and transported offenders to jail.
- Investigated and reported crimes, accidents, offenses, and damage to property.
- Completed paperwork and processing duties for incoming inmates and arrestees.
911 Dispatcher
Gilmer Police Department
Gilmer, TX
09.2019 - Current
- Managed emergency calls, prioritizing urgency and dispatching appropriate response units.
- Coordinated with law enforcement and emergency services to ensure effective communication during critical incidents.
- Utilized CAD systems for real-time tracking of incidents and resource deployment.
- Implemented training protocols for new dispatchers, enhancing team performance and operational readiness.
- Maintained accurate records of calls, responses, and incident reports to support departmental procedures.
- Recorded and tracked emergency requests utilizing computer-aided dispatch systems.
- Supported law enforcement officers during high-risk situations by providing vital background data on suspect locations or histories.
- Relayed latest information to first responders via electronic means, telephone calls, and radio responses.
- Dispatched and coordinated emergency services teams according to high-priority calls.
- Answered calls from automatic routing system and took basic information from callers.
- Assessed emergency requests and made quick judgment calls to determine appropriate action.
- Served as an integral member of the emergency communications team, consistently demonstrating professionalism and dedication to public safety.
Law Enforcement Officer
Gilmer Police Department
Gilmer, TX
02.2026 - 10.2026
- Assisted in traffic control during events, ensuring public safety and smooth vehicular flow.
- Participated in ongoing training programs to enhance law enforcement skills and knowledge.
- Utilized communication systems effectively for coordination during emergency responses.
- Strengthened relationships with other law enforcement agencies, resulting in seamless collaboration during joint operations or investigations.
911 Dispatcher
Upshur County Sheriffs Office
Gilmer, TX
09.2018 - 11.2020
- Developed and refined emergency response procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness in crisis situations.
- Led weekly briefings to discuss ongoing cases, share insights, and update protocols among dispatch staff.
- Analyzed response times and call data to identify trends and recommend process improvements for better service delivery.
- Monitored Police and Fire radios to provide assistance to responding personnel.
- Provided exceptional customer service to callers in crisis, displaying empathy while obtaining necessary information for emergency response teams.
- Read system maps and caller information, and documented details in system.
- Collaborated with fellow dispatchers to maintain a cohesive team environment, fostering seamless communication during emergencies.
- Directed responders using assigned mapping systems for timely emergency attendance.
- Managed high-stress situations with composure, providing reassurance to distressed callers while gathering crucial information for first responders.
- Streamlined communication between first responders and callers by maintaining clear, concise, and accurate information sharing.
Personal Shopper
Walmart
Gilmer, TX
12.2019 - 09.2020
- Curated personalized shopping experiences based on customer preferences and feedback.
- Assisted customers in locating products, providing exceptional service and support.
- Evaluated inventory levels to ensure product availability and minimized stockouts.
- Collaborated with team members to enhance store displays for improved customer engagement.
Cashier
SWANNERS HAMBURGERS
Gilmer, TX
10.2017 - 09.2018
- Processed customer transactions quickly and accurately using point-of-sale systems.
- Managed cash drawer, ensuring balanced transactions at shift end.
- Provided exceptional customer service, resolving inquiries and complaints effectively.
- Trained new staff on cash handling procedures and company policies.
Customer Service Manager
WALMART
Gilmer, TX
09.2016 - 10.2017
- Led customer service team to enhance satisfaction and resolve issues efficiently.
- Developed training programs to improve staff performance and service quality.
- Implemented new procedures to streamline operations and reduce response times.
- Analyzed customer feedback to identify trends and drive service improvements.
Cashier
SWANNERS HAMBURGERS
Gilmer, TX
07.2015 - 09.2016
- Implemented inventory tracking methods to maintain stock levels efficiently.
- Assisted in maintaining cleanliness and organization of the front counter area.
- Collaborated with team members to enhance overall customer experience during peak hours.
- Monitored sales trends, providing feedback to management for promotional strategies.
Education
Associate of Science - Business
Northeast Texas Community College
Mount Pleasant, Texas, TX05-2022
Associate of Science - Business
Northeast Texas Community College
Mount Pleasant, Texas, TX05-2022
No Degree - Telecommunications
Kilgore College
Kilgore, TX06-2019
Skills
- Community policing
- Self-defense techniques
- Crime prevention
- Traffic control
- Firearms proficiency
- Patrol procedures
- Report writing
- Emergency vehicle operation
- Community engagement
- Emergency response
- Traffic laws
Certification
- Animal Control License - 2022 to current
- Code Enforcement License- 2023 to current
Timeline
Law Enforcement Officer
Gilmer Police Department
02.2026 - 10.2026
Law Enforcement Officer
Ore City Police Department
12.2025 - Current
Personal Shopper
Walmart
12.2019 - 09.2020
911 Dispatcher
Gilmer Police Department
09.2019 - Current
911 Dispatcher
Upshur County Sheriffs Office
09.2018 - 11.2020
Cashier
SWANNERS HAMBURGERS
10.2017 - 09.2018
Customer Service Manager
WALMART
09.2016 - 10.2017
Cashier
SWANNERS HAMBURGERS
07.2015 - 09.2016
Associate of Science - Business
Northeast Texas Community College
Associate of Science - Business
Northeast Texas Community College
No Degree - Telecommunications
Kilgore College