Vivian “Viv” Bohanan, a dispatcher whose steady voice was a lifeline in critical moments, has died after a short but brave fight with cancer. Her passing has left family, friends, and the emergency services community grieving deeply for someone who was more than just a voice on the radio—she was a heart in the center of every call.
For 22 years, Viv was at the calm center of chaos. Behind every flashing light and rushing siren, her familiar voice guided first responders into the unknown with calm confidence. In moments of fear and urgency, she offered a sense of steadiness that only comes from someone who truly understands the weight of each call. Her work wasn’t just professional—it was a calling she fulfilled with pride and deep devotion.
Coworkers remember her not just for her professionalism but for the warmth she carried into every shift. On long, quiet midnight hours when stress and exhaustion gathered like clouds, Viv found ways to brighten the room. She would make pancakes or French toast for weary officers, turning simple meals into moments of comfort and camaraderie. That simple kindness became a symbol of who she was—a gentle presence in a demanding world.
Stories about her family lit up her eyes. Viv didn’t just talk about her children and grandchildren—she became them in her stories, each one filled with pride and joy. Those personal moments weren’t small sideshows to her life; they were the threads that connected her heart to everyone around her. She carried that love into her work and into her friendships, lifting others when they needed it most.
Colleagues say she had a quick wit and a way of making even tough days feel lighter. Her signature closing line, “That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it,” became something of a legend among those who heard it. It wasn’t just a phrase—it was a piece of her personality: honest, warm, and unmistakably Viv.
Though her life in this world has ended, the impact of her compassion and dedication will continue to be felt. Viv’s legacy lives on in the countless dispatchers, officers, and everyday people she helped through her work and her kindness. Her story is one of courage, love, and a reminder that even voices we never see can change lives in powerful ways.
Everyone who knew her—family, friends, and coworkers—shares in the sadness of her loss. In the memories of shared laughs, late-night meals, and unwavering support, they’ll carry on the spirit of a woman whose heart was as steady as her voice. Viv may be gone, but she will never be forgotten.
