On Scene First with Tracy Eldridge

We discuss his journey from public safety to the private sector and the evolution of RapidDeploy, now part of Motorola Solutions. They explore the company’s mission to bring cloud-based technology and innovative tools to emergency communications, highlighting the benefits of new features such as mapping and video, and discuss the recent Motorola acquisition. Wes also shares advice for those consid...

On Scene First with Tracy Eldridge Episode 52 has dropped. Listen here: https://www.onscenefirst.com/podcast, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts! **Suicide Tommy shared his journey of overcoming mental health struggles and becoming a mental health advocate, discussing his experiences with therapy and the importance of seeking help. He emphasized the need for better mental health support f...

In this episode, Tracy Speaks to Reuben Ramirez, Executive Partner Success Manager at Versaterm. Reuben is dedicated to addressing first responders' challenges, particularly the critical importance of mental health support. During the conversation, he highlighted the urgent need for a cultural shift towards proactive mental health support within the first responder community. Reuben also introduce...

In this episode, Tracy and Retired Deputy Fire Chief Daniel DeYear, with over 50 years of experience, discuss his career trajectory, the importance of mental health in public safety, and the importance of isolation. We also discuss the importance of service and community engagement in coping with the stresses of public safety roles. Special thanks to our Hero Sponsor, Squad Life! Visit www.squad-l...

Tracy and Brodie Hinckley, Director of the Bureau of Emergency Communications for the Maine Department of Public Safety, talk about the importance of mental health support for dispatchers, including Brody's personal experience seeking therapy. Brody shares how he brought in a comfort dog named Baxter to support his team. They also discuss the upcoming Atlantic APCO conference that Brody is chairin...

On Scene First Ep. 49: Barry Furey, Public Safety Executive Tracy Eldridge and Barry Furey, Public Safety Executive, discuss the importance of work-life balance and mental health support for first responders, especially during times of crisis like the recent hurricanes. Burnout is a major issue in the 911 industry, with around 80% of centers being understaffed, leading to high stress and overwhelm...

I had a WICKED awesome time speaking with one of the owners of Squad Life. Squad Life is a company owned by law enforcement and army veterans. As the On Scene First merchandise production and distribution partner that provides quality, custom-made products, fundraising and partnership opportunities, and phenomenal customer service, we are thrilled to share them with the rest of our public safety f...

It was great chatting with Deb and passing on a huge thank you to the team at GeoComm for being one of the On Scene First 2023 NPSTW Celebration Event Sponsors. We discussed indoor maps, the z-axis, vertical location, the NENA EPRC, and school safety.

On Scene First Ep. 45: Monica Million, Founder, Million Consulting Services, LLC As a staple in the 9-1-1 space, I was honored to sit down and catch up with Monica. Join us as we discuss the drive and purpose behind her new consulting mission of encouraging understanding and implementing different technological modalities, including AI, in the call-handling process. We also discuss what mental hea...

On Scene First Ep. 44: Gordon MacFarlane, Performance Mindset Coach. As my own coach, it was Coach Gord's training that helped me gain in-depth people-driven knowledge. Join us as we discuss how our paths strategically crossed and the slide that changed everything. As a Human Behavior Specialist and Master Trainer, Coach Gord will share the ins and outs of understanding each other better. I will a...

On Scene First Ep. 44: Sgt. Isaac Pruitt, 8 years old - NYPD: Join us as we discuss how 8-year-old Isaac Pruitt became Tik Tok famous, landed an appointment with the NYPD as Officer Isaac, and was quickly promoted to Sgt. Isaac. We discuss his passion and dedication to law enforcement and how he will not let his dwarfism stop him from following his dreams, and neither should you! If you would like...

On Scene First Ep. 43: Keith Hanks: Mental health Advocate, Peer Support, Author, National Speaker, Podcaster. Director of Promotions at First Responder Coaching RC, Host, The Resilient Responder Podcast. Join us as we discuss his challenges with PTSD from a tragic life event and many years in the fire service and how it affected his family life. Keith has worked hard to come out of the darkness a...

On Scene First Ep. 42 STEPHEN POWERS Executive Director #BuddyCheck: Join us as we discuss Stephen's journey through PTSD where he has come out on the other side and has created a safe environment for those in public safety and military through #BuddyCheck. We talk about the stigma and stereotypes of being a Marine and Law Enforcement Officer and that it is ok to not be ok, it is just not ok to st...

On Scene First Ep. 41 Holly J. Williams, CPE, RPL, ENP, CMCP- Training Coordinator, Orange County Emergency Communications Center, Orange, VA. Join us as we talk about leveling up, not settling in a place of comfort, the misconception of passionate personalities, and much more. We also chat about her surprise wedding at the national APCO conference in Anaheim, CA. What a powerful and fin conversat...

On Scene First Ep. 40 Dominique Mathis, Broward Sheriff's Office Regional Communications - Training Supervisor and Founder & CEO - HELLO,911!™ Join us as we chat about the team aspect of training, the importance of setting professional boundaries, changing the narrative of how 9-1-1 is perceived, and the Importance of a simple smile. We also touch on the benefits of helping each in beneficial ways...

On Scene First Ep. 39 Cassie Sexton of First Responder Wellness spent many years in the emergency communications center. Join us as we chat about passion for the profession and finding your best fit. We also discuss the importance of chasing your dream position even if it means bouncing around. She shares a bit of her PTSD story and the road to recovery. We also talk about her new role with First...

On Scene First Ep. 38: A.K. Dozanti, Founder, Life Saver Wellness I am wicked excited to share this conversation with A.K. She is a First Responder Wellness Coach & Specialist that I connected with on Tik Tok. I am thrilled to share her with you all. Join us to hear about her mental health and wellness organization that is saving our first responders! Special thanks to our Premier Sponsor, NGA - N...

BONUS: The Best of 9 1-1: Listen in to the audio version of the live session with Jeremy DeMar, M.A., CPE, ENP, NGA – Next Generation Advanced, Anne Camaro, MPE, ENP NVRDD, and Melissa Alterio, MS, CPE, RPL Cobb County, GA Join us as we chat about some amazing topics in 9-1-1 today, some of it includes taking a leap of faith, servant leadership and much more! Special thanks to our Premier sponsor,...

On Scene First Ep. 37 Jennifer Anderson, CEO/Founder First Responder Coaching. I am wicked excited to have shared this conversation with Jennifer, she brings a first responder spouse perspective to the table. Listen in to hear how she went from being a teacher to CEO of a first responder coaching organization! Special thanks to our Premier sponsor, NGA - Next Generation Advanced. For more informat...

On Scene First Ep. 36 James Lockerbie, Frontline Telecommunicator & 9-1-1 Saves Act Advocate! Join us as we talk about the import mission James is committed to. He is playing a significant role in guiding 9-1-1 telecommunications on the path to First Responders! Special thanks to our Premier sponsor, NGA - Next Generation Advanced. For more information on all your NextGen 9-1-1 needs head on over...

On Scene First Ep. 35 Robert Avsec, from Talking "Shop" 4 Fire and EMS: As one of our 2022 National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week Event Sponsors and I am wicked excited to speak to Robert about so many areas in communications, but more importantly, speaking about leadership in public safety! Special thanks to our Premier sponsor, NGA - Next Generation Advanced. For more information on all yo...

On Scene First Ep. 34 Michael Chime, Co-Founder and CEO of Prepared, a new to the 9-1-1 space technology company that is offering real-time, actionable data from callers, Prepared Live empowers emergency operators to focus on doing what they do best: saving lives. Special thanks to our Premier sponsor, NGA - Next Generation Advanced. For more information on all your NextGen 9-1-1 needs head on ove...

On Scene First Ep. 33 Just me, Tracy Eldridge, ENP with an On Scene First catch up and update. Hear about some new stuff on the horizon. Special thanks to our Premier sponsor, NGA 911. For more information on all your NextGen 9-1-1 needs head on over to NGA 911 and tell them Tracy sent you.

On Scene First Ep. 32 David Odom, 9-1-1 Director & Kim Powell, Wellness Coordinator at the Consolidated Dispatch Agency in Tallahassee, FL. I am wicked excited to share the amazing people-driven programs they have put in place. Our conversation includes addressing human needs first, implementing a Wellness program with a full-time on-staff clinician, and double time on mandatory overtime. Check it...

On Scene First Ep. 31 Scott Geiselhart *Trigger Warning* Join Scott, a retired Deputy Fire Chief, and I as we discuss some hard topics. We will discuss Scott’s journey from PTSD to Meth use to an unsuccessful suicide attempt and now recovery. Scott is using his story to show folks that it is possible to see in color again. What a wonderful ending to a tragic time. Special thanks to our Premier spo...