Episodes
Ep 551 features Carlynn, 911 Professional and Engagement Strategist with FirstWatch.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Learn more about FirstWatch - Web Episode topics – The importance of standardized questions and procedures in dispatching. Personal stories of challenging calls and their emotional impact. How First Watch software aids dispatch centers by automating tasks and analyzing call data. The significance of accreditation as a center of...
Published 06/18/24
Ep 550 features Jenessa, Level 3 - 911 Professional out of St. George Communications, Utah.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Training, unexpected calls, and personal growth insights from almost 15 years in the field are explored The importance of staying calm and compassionate in high-pressure situations is highlighted Jenessa shares her journey into public safety and the overwhelming nature of starting as a dispatcher She discusses...
Published 06/12/24
Ep 549 features Jonathan, TC CTO, with Johnston County, NC.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – The emotional toll of a significant 911 call that changed Jonathan's perspective The importance of supportive family and coworkers in dispatch work Navigating the transition between different dispatch roles The intensity and unpredictability of dispatch work The journey of personal growth and leaving a positive legacy in the field If...
Published 06/04/24
Ep 548 features #IAM911 stories from the Imagine Listening session at the 9-1-1 Leadership Training retreat at the Mayan Ranch, hosted by the 360 Degree Dispatcher. WARNING - THIS EPISODE CONTAINS AUDIO THAT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AUDIENCES. IF YOU SUFFER FROM PTSD OR HAVE SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, THIS MAY BE A TRIGGER. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Child's tragic passing and creation of a memorial room ...
Published 05/30/24
Ep 547 features Cat, 911 Communications Supervisor at Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – How Cat's unexpected journey into public safety began and her initial impressions of the dispatcher's role. The rigorous hiring process for 911 dispatchers and what it takes to become a certified training officer. The emotional ride of taking life-altering emergency calls and the coping mechanisms...
Published 05/25/24
Ep 546 features Lauren Spencer, a Retired 911 professional and Life Stylist Entrepreneur.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Lauren's path into public safety and overcoming initial setbacks. The intense training process and demands of a 911 dispatcher. Emotional and impactful experiences of life-saving calls. The importance of sharing stories and celebrating wins in a demanding job. As always, if you have any comments or questions...
Published 05/17/24
Ep 545 features Jeff, 2nd generation dispatch, 3rd generation fireman out of WestComm Regional, Massachusetts.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Explore Jeff Hastings’ journey and growth in the public safety field, reflecting on the influence of his father and mentorship from key figures like David Squires. Learn about the emotional and psychological challenges faced by dispatchers, including Jeff's personal struggles and the critical...
Published 05/08/24
Ep 544 features Stephanie, a 911 Professional out of Georgia. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Discover Stephanie’s journey from ambulance driver to skilled EMT, and how she transitioned to the demanding role of a 911 dispatcher. Learn about the challenges and emotional toll of handling emergency calls, including a life-saving moment during a CPR call. Explore the evolution of emergency dispatch technology from flip cards to electronic...
Published 05/02/24
Ep 543 features Lea Harms, 911 Professional, Industry Partner, and Author of "Lives on the Line." Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Now and then there is a snag and that’s life. This is also true when self-publishing or even through a publishing house. Snags happen, but no worries, you can sign up to find out more about Lives on the Line and its availability as soon as it is ready. Head over to Lea’s website for more information on her book, “Lives on the Line.” ...
Published 04/24/24
Ep 542 features 911 dispatch stories from around North Carolina. The North Carolina 911 board and Within the Trenches podcast partnered on classes and podcast episodes to highlight the amazing work of 911 professionals throughout the state in celebration of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. This is the last installment in this series out of Johnston County 911. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Answering 911 Calls: The Emotional...
Published 04/21/24
Ep 541 features 911 dispatch stories from around North Carolina. The North Carolina 911 board and Within the Trenches podcast partnered on classes and podcast episodes to highlight the amazing work of 911 professionals throughout the state in celebration of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. This is a continuation of this series out of Johnston County 911. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Technology Boosts Safety: Tracking Callers...
Published 04/20/24
Ep 540 features 911 dispatch stories from around North Carolina. The North Carolina 911 board and Within the Trenches podcast partnered on classes and podcast episodes to highlight the amazing work of 911 professionals throughout the state in celebration of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Kristen's 911 story HR with Lorenda Lynda’s 911 story and more As always, if you have any...
Published 04/18/24
Ep 539 features Kris, Director of Program Development at The Healthy Dispatcher. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Kris's 911 story The daunting learning curve of dispatch codes and the memorization techniques that Kris used to master them. Training complexities in 911 dispatch and the personal growth that comes from facing such stress-inducing experiences. Relatable anecdotes from Kris's early days of taking calls, including mishaps...
Published 04/10/24
Ep 538 features Katie, a 911 dispatcher with Rockford 911 out of Illinois. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Katie's 911 story How a background in special education equipped her to handle intense emergency calls involving children with autism Learn about the rigorous process Katie underwent to join the dispatch team, including testing, interviews, and a psychological evaluation Gain an understanding of the intense training new...
Published 04/03/24
Ep 537 features Brad Flanagan, Emergency Ops Manager for the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center out of Colorado. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Brad's 911 story How Brad's unique journey from the military to 911 dispatching on a dare unveiled his strengths in emergency operations The indispensable human element in emergency response that technology can't replace and the potential for AI to reshape the industry ...
Published 03/28/24
Ep 536 features Katherine, 911 professional with Ada County Sheriff's Office out of Idaho. Episode topics – Katherine's 911 story Exploring the repercussions of tragic calls, including a particularly disturbing case involving a missing child The challenges and importance of adequate mental health support and coping strategies for 911 dispatch professionals Insights into the rigorous training process for dispatchers and the continuous learning curve in high-stress situations How personal...
Published 03/20/24
Ep 535 features Ashley, 911 Professional with Rockland PD & Fire, and Greg, 911 Professional with CAL Fire, both out of California.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Ashley's 911 story Greg's 911 story Trusting your instincts Connecting communities How TikTok brought us together As always, if you have any comments or questions, or you would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at [email protected].
Published 03/13/24
Welcome to another episode of Within the Trenches, true stories from the 9-1-1 dispatchers who live them. Ep 534 features Deb, a Psychiatric Clinician, 911 dispatcher, and EMT. Episode topics – Deb recounts her journey in dispatch, including her ability to thrive with ADHD and the contrast in training environments across different agencies. The episode delves into the common misconceptions about dispatch work, the diverse nature of calls handled, and the importance of transparency and...
Published 03/06/24
Welcome to another episode of Within the Trenches, true stories from the 9-1-1 dispatchers who live them. Ep 533 features Ashley, your friendly neighborhood dispatcher from Elkhart City in Indiana. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Discover what lies beyond the emergency communications center - dispatchers' diverse responsibilities and the importance of self-care routines. Learn how dispatchers like Ashley cope with the immense stress and...
Published 02/29/24
Welcome to another episode of Within the Trenches, true stories from the 9-1-1 dispatchers who live them. Ep 532 features Kelley Cunningham, the Eaton County Central Dispatch Director, as she shares insights on workplace culture, public safety, and the importance of dispatchers in emergency response. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Her journey into public safety and the unexpected path that led her to dispatching. The importance of...
Published 02/21/24
Welcome to another episode of Within the Trenches, true stories from the 9-1-1 dispatchers who live them. Ep 531 features Rich, Dispatch Supervisor with Eaton County Central Dispatch, MI. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Rich's 9-1-1 story Dynamic transformation of emergency dispatch technology Integrating military police background into dispatch Intense mental health challenges that dispatchers face And more As always, if you...
Published 02/14/24
Welcome to another episode of Within the Trenches, true stories from the 9-1-1 dispatchers who live them. Ep 530 features Libby, Dispatch Supervisor with Eaton County Central Dispatch, MI. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Libby's 9-1-1 story The Challenges and Memories of a Dispatcher in a Public Safety Family The Hardest Decision Ever Working with Your Parents And more As always, if you have any comments, questions, or you...
Published 02/07/24
Welcome to another episode of Within the Trenches, true stories from the 9-1-1 dispatchers who live them. Ep 529 features Sondra Wesley, ECC Education Manager with Prepared. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Sondra's 9-1-1 story Unforgettable rescues Life lessons for dispatchers Revolutionizing dispatch centers And more As always, if you have any comments, questions, or you would like to be a guest on the show, please email me...
Published 02/01/24
Welcome to another episode of Within the Trenches, true stories from the 9-1-1 dispatchers who live them. Ep 528 features Reese, 9-1-1 Communications Officer, Defiance County Sheriff's Office, OH. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Reese's 9-1-1 story The importance of knowing your location Heartbreaking 9-1-1 calls Calls that are meant for us And more As always, if you have any comments, questions, or you would like to be a...
Published 01/27/24
Welcome to another episode of Within the Trenches, true stories from the 9-1-1 dispatchers who live them. Ep 527 features Hannah, CTO w/Jacksonville Sheriff's Officer, FL. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Hannah's 9-1-1 story Heartbreaking police chase tragedy Life-saving moments Emotional turmoil and Covid And more As always, if you have any comments, questions, or you would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at...
Published 01/19/24