Viewpoints by Equature

Join us as we talk with Moe from Moetivations for a transformative discussion on generational differences among PSAP employees. Gain a fresh perspective on the generations working together and the unique challenges each faces. Moe will share an inclusive outlook that moves beyond stereotypes to encourage professionalism across age groups. Learn tips to foster a positive workplace free from generat...

Meet Kelley Cunningham, the 2023 National APCO Director of the Year. Kelley has some amazing processes and events to share that brought her to this shining star moment. Along with her is supervisor Libby Howland (Michigan's 2023 Supervisor of the Year), her employee who nominated Kelley for the award. Libby will share her views on her director and what prompted her to write her nomination for...

Prepare to be blown away by Deb Plummer's incredible journey in the world of public safety! This trailblazing leader was remote dispatching long before NG911 was a whisper in our minds. Get ready to be captivated as you dive into her extraordinary story, exploring her transformative impact on her agency's quality assurance, quality improvement, and training programs. You will be left amaze...

Fire Chief Craig Miller and Firefighter Chloe Liberatore discuss their paths to becoming firefighters. Chloe recounts her personal journey into the realm of firefighting and expresses her profound gratitude for her colleagues within the department. Meanwhile, her fire chief, Craig Miller, shares his perspective on adapting to change and his positive outlook on incorporating new techniques. Tune in...

Have you ever wondered about the lives of children in law enforcement families? We often hear about the ones who follow in their parents' footsteps and those who take a different path. But what's the actual experience of growing up in a public safety household like? How does it feel to understand your parents' line of work and the sacrifices they make? In this captivating podcast, you&...

Curious about the experience of balancing parenthood and a career in public safety? Dive into this podcast where you can listen to firsthand accounts from individuals who have successfully raised their children to adulthood, as well as those who are still in the midst of the journey. Get ready to be entertained by their anecdotes, surprised by their emotions, and gain insights into the unique pers...

Have you ever struggled with training? Why was learning fun when you were younger and yet so boring as an adult? Join Doug and Jill Showalter on our podcast to learn how they took the idea of learning is fun and applied some simple techniques into PSAP learning. Doug and Jill encourage each person to put priority on investing in themselves: it's the best investment you can make and will make ...

Tracy Eldridge uses humor and blunt honesty when relaying her own experiences in her goal to help others avoid the pitfalls she made in her journey in public safety. "Life is too short to not know how to save one!" and she urges people to look within when using that quote. Join her in our podcast as we listen to Tracy talk about the importance of leadership, knowing your own self, why pe...

Eric Parry has been a leader in the public safety industry for 50+ years, from the road, to all aspects of 9-1-1, consulting, teaching, his history is impressive. This podcast explores the traits of a leader, how one reacts to mistakes and empowers those around them. This episode will provide those in public safety with examples of where this career can take them, if they choose to walk-the-walk.

Ready to Retire? Or are you thinking it’s time to step down, but you aren’t really ready to let go of that public safety bug that bit you all those years ago? Join our podcast and learn about what Constable Tracy Ward did with the lessons she learned in her career on the road and in the dispatch center. She will talk about how she overcame early chauvinistic challenges and how she set her vision,...

Adam Timm is continuing his journey becoming well-known throughout the public safety 9-1-1 world.  This podcast will explore the successes and challenges that Adam has experienced on his journey from the dispatcher to the business owner.  Throughout the episode, Adam offers sound advice and leadership to all those who watch.

Chaplain James Friedman,  husband, father, grandfather, pastor, police officer, business owner, trainer, and friend.  What hasn't this man done!  Chaplain Friedman shares the impact of a Chaplain program for a public safety organization and how to set one up and nurture it.  He also discusses his personal knowledge of autism and the challenges the disorder brings to public safe...

Cherie Bartram got a chance to chat with Chief Lillian Bonsignore who served for the FDNY for over 30 years.  She was there when the twin towers were struck, and she has been a pivotal member of the New York Fire Department serving in many capacities throughout her tenure. Chief Bonsignore has accomplished many goals in her career with her simple but powerful philosophy of don't ever let anyo...

Cherie Bartram got a chance to talk with Katie Donovan on her dedication to helping those that are affected by substance abuse and sharing her personal story.  Substance use disorders (SUD) are some of the most highly stigmatized health conditions worldwide. Stigma creates barriers to support the person as well as early intervention, screening, treatment, and effective recovery, particularly...

Bryce Tracy has been the Assistant Emergency Manager and 911 Coordinator for Mackinac County, Michigan, for over seventeen years. He began his service to public safety before graduating from high school and continued as a certified firefighter in the early 90’s. Under Bryce’s leadership Michigan’s Upper Peninsula led the way as the Upper Peninsula 911 Authority creating an infrastructure for share...

Lori Knight began her career as an RN and found her way to Disneyland as the EMS Manager. Follow along as this “cast member” shares her journey and her most memorable moment at Disney. Learn how she was appointed to the National EMS Advisory Council and how she prepared herself for retirement job.

Harriet Rennie-Brown began her career in 9-1-1 after working in Corrections. She shares her journey and goals in this candid and light-hearted interview. Her valuable, heartfelt advice to all is an added bonus to her audience.

This podcast highlights the unique connection between family members (Steven Leese & Anthony (Tony) Leese; Millie McConnaughey & Cherie Bartram) in public safety.  Watching a parent in the 9-1-1 / public safety career often has the beneficial impact of raising up the next generation to serve the public.  Watch and hear the changes and stories from two families spanning over 40 ye...

Cherie Bartram had a chance to talk with Carl Simpson on his journey in public safety.  Beginning his service to public safety in the private sector enabled Carl to have a strong depth of understanding on what would help those he served, regardless of the capacity he served in.  This podcast will highlight career moves, taking care of PSAP staff, and the challenges that occur with moving...

Cherie Bartram had a great conversation with Mel Maier who is the retired Oakland County Captain about NG911, Cyber Security and AI.  Technology changes are occurring at such a rapid pace, it can be a struggle for PSAPs to keep up.  What exactly is the future direction of 911?  This podcast will touch on what is important for PSAPs to know and the technology that is critical for the...

In this episode Zach Vogel and Cherie Bartram enjoyed their time talking with April Heinze.  April discovers the career path of a 911 professional while discussing the challenges and triumphs of this exciting career.  Learn April Heinze’s philosophy on how to pursue a dream career in the 911 profession as well as her vision on the future path of 911.

Zach Vogel and Cherie Bartram had an opportunity to talk with Kathryn Schmelzer.  In this episode learn how Kathryn Schmelzer went from dog groomer to the 2020 Michigan Telecommunicator of the Year and National APCO 2021 Telecommunicator of the year winner.  Discover how she started her career and the beliefs that she has committed to,  that made her a stand-out in the field.  ...

Zach Vogel and Karen Gregorcic got an opportunity to talk with veteran Jennifer Kirkland who is the Dispatch Manager of Grand Junction in Colorado about her 20+ years in the PSAP.  In this episode we'll explore the history of dispatchers and develop a communication center that is positioned for continued legacy with all of the new technology and staffing challenges ahead.  Along with pra...

Our conversation continues in part 2 with Debbie Condino, Andy Brown, Nicole Plauman, and Lindsey Parton of the Macomb Outreach Program on their approach to the opioid epidemic that is sweeping across the country. We’ll discover the successes they have had with helping the patients and family members by using an advanced view of an opioid call for service.

Macomb County Michigan is taking a new approach to the Opioid epidemic sweeping through the country with the Macomb Outreach Program.  In this two-part Podcast, discover the successes Debbie Condino, Andy Brown, Nicole Plauman and Lindsey Parton have had with helping the patients and family members by using an advanced view of an opioid call for service.