3. Peggyrose Dowd: I'm Here to Make a Difference

Welcome back to the 3RIPLE 3HREAT podcast where it's good news and good vibes all the time, baby!

In this episode of the 3RIPLE 3HREAT podcast, Jermel interviews Peggyrose Dowd, Community Engagement Coordinator at the Charleston County - Department of Public Safety. 

They spoke about the important role social competence has played in her career. As a professional, Peggyrose has had to pivot and adjust to new roles. She was able to do this because of her proficiency in social competence. 

They also discuss career opportunities available to job searchers in Public Safety. If you are thinking about a career in Public Safety make sure to tune in!

Here is a little about Peggyrose Dowd:

Community Engagement Coordinator Peggyrose Dowd is a born and raised Jersey girl. She moved to Charleston in 2019 right before the pandemic hit. Her original plan was to work downtown in the hospitality industry, she has her Associates degree in Business and applied Science with a focus on planning events. As we all know, especially in public safety things don’t always go as planned.

At the time, nowhere downtown was hiring which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Peggyrose applied to The Charleston County Consolidated Emergency Communications Center (9-1-1). She was hired on as a telecommunicator to answer non emergent calls, from there she worked her way up to be the recruiter and public educator. Attending events from job fairs, back to school bashes, college fairs, and more; all she wanted to do was educate the residents and tourists of all that The Department of Public Safety had to offer, whether that be a new career or information about some of our free resources. When often asked about her job as a recruiter she would tell people that she “hires heroes for a living and nothing is better than that”.

Peggyrose’s drive for public safety comes from her family, a long line of firefighters. Her grandfather one of the youngest Fire Chiefs in the state of New Jersey, her father a previous Captain for their local department, her uncle a member of FDNY and her husband is currently a Captain at James Island Fire Department.

“Growing up in the Public Safety environment inspired me to always want to better my community.”

Now in her new role Peggyrose is excited to showcase all the different departments under the umbrella of The Department of Public Safety. This includes The Charleston County Consolidated Emergency Communications Center (9-1-1), Charleston County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Awendaw-McClenville Fire Department, Charleston County Emergency Management, Charleston County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and The Tri-County Biological Science Center.

“I love when I get to go out and talk about the resources and job opportunities available, that one conversation could change someone’s life, whether it be a career opportunity or one of the resources helped them when they needed it most.”

In her spare time Peggyrose enjoys hanging out at the beach with family and friends. She is also one of those people who always has a book in hand, constantly wanting to learn more.

“One of my favorite quotes is by Jacqueline Kennedy, 'One man can make a difference and every man should try'. That is what public safety is all about, making a difference for the community.”