Within the Trenches

Ep 560 features Brandon, a 911 Professional from a Regional Emergency Communications Center in western Massachusetts.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Brandon recounts a severe car accident that resulted in a challenging recovery The transition from security to public safety and what drew him to 911 dispatch Unusual and disturbing 911 calls, including...

Ep 559 features Julie, a Senior Level 3 Dispatcher, with St. George Communications Center, Utah.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Julie's transition from nursing school to a career in law enforcement and dispatching The unique traits and skillset required for the demanding role of a 911 professional Navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic an...

Ep 558 features Robin, the owner of CrisisIQ.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Robin's unique journey from communications to becoming a trainer and supervisor in dispatch The innovative training techniques she developed and implemented at her agency An emotionally challenging first call and the importance of caller management Robin's advice on the sign...

Ep 557 features Marlene, an Emergency Specialist - 1 with Aurora 911 out of Colorado.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Marlene recounts the emotional impact of a call involving a mother accidentally running over her one-year-old baby The struggles of translating and dealing with medical and fire emergencies Navigating the complexities of revealing thei...

Ep 556 features Joey, a Professional Development Specialist with Aurora 911 out of Colorado.  Episode topics – Joey's path to joining the public safety field and his personal connection to 911 dispatching The emotional and professional challenges faced during initial training and first emergency calls The unique structure and supportive culture at Aurora 911, including professional development rol...

Ep 555 features a conversation from the Dispatcher's Roundtable - Round 41 on leadership and the transformational experience of the Leadership Training event at the Mayan Ranch hosted by the 360 Dispatcher.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Tyler's emotional performance and conversation about Kari's law Corinne's reflections on her eye-opening ranch exp...

Ep 554 features Mario, an Emergency Specialist - 3 with Aurora 911 out of Colorado.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Mario's initial interest in being an EMT and the shift to 911 dispatching Challenges and adrenaline rush of early days in dispatch The impact of working on high-stress calls Memorable and haunting calls in dispatch Tips and advice for ne...

Ep 553 features Bess, a Management Assistant, and Pam, a Chaplain with Aurora 911 out of Colorado.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Bess reflects on the positive impact of kindness during a memorable Thanksgiving as a dispatcher The importance of being human and adaptable in the ever-evolving field of dispatching Transitioning careers from dispatching...

Ep 552 features Reyna, an Emergency Specialist 1 with Aurora 911 out of Colorado.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Reyna's journey into public safety and criminal justice The challenges of working early morning shifts Handling emotionally intense 911 calls The complexity of translating emergency calls Unexpected moments with family members calling in e...

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 tas...

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 p...

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 Th...

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...

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 emotio...

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 celebra...

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 c...

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....

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 i...

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...

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 - Fac...

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 st...

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 experienc...

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...

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...

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 proce...