Within the Trenches

Ep 601 features Rain, an Emergency Communications Officer and CTO, out of Virginia. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – How Rain transitioned from grocery store manager to 911 dispatcher during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic What it's really like to walk into a dispatch center for the first time and train as a new hire The critical role of de-escalati...

Ep 600 features myself. In this episode I take you down a path of reflection from the beginning of the podcast, where it is currently, and the evolution of Within the Trenches and new projects. Episode topics – The origins of Within the Trenches and Ricardo's dispatch career Memorable stories and calls that shaped the podcast Behind-the-scenes of launching the podcast and early challenges with aud...

Ep 599 features Amy, a 911 professional out of Buncombe County Public Safety in North Carolina. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Amy's start in public safety, transitioning from a hospital translator to 911 dispatcher Handling overwhelming call volumes and life-or-death situations during Hurricane Helene The emotional impact of difficult calls and the i...

Ep 598 features Stephanie, Director of 911 at Henderson County Sheriff's Office out of NC . Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Stephanie's 18 years of experience in public safety. The unprecedented challenges of Hurricane Helene in Henderson County. The difficulties faced by 911 dispatchers, including increased call volume and lack of resources. The emoti...

Ep 597 features Stephen, a Senior Telecommunicator with Danville Fire Department Emergency Communications. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Stephen shares his journey into public safety and how he started as a junior firefighter at the age of 16. The transition from EMS to corrections and eventually into dispatch. Importance of good training and support...

Ep 596 features Chase, a 911 professional out of Ohio. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Introduction to Chase's unexpected entry into the public safety field. Challenges of being a 19-year-old working alone in a jail. Chase's transition from aspiring police officer to passionate dispatcher. The significance of having a strong support system in 911 dispa...

Ep 595 features Daylan, a center manager at Brazoria County, TX. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Daylan's unique path into the 911 dispatching world and her continuous drive for growth and learning. The challenges and triumphs of her early days in dispatch, including unforgettable calls that tested her resilience. Her experiences with domestic violence...

Ep 594 features AK Dozanti, a First Responder Wellness Specialist, Speaker, Coach, and Author. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – AK's transition from law enforcement to becoming a wellness specialist. The critical moments in law enforcement that shaped her journey. The importance of mental health resources and recognizing burnout. AK's current work in co...

Ep 593 features Carmen, a 911 professional with New Hanover County 911, NC. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Carmen's journey to becoming a 911 dispatcher and her role as a bilingual interpreter The emotional challenges and support systems in place for dispatchers handling traumatic calls Insightful anecdotes from ride-alongs and unexpected 911 call sit...

Ep 592 features Maddie and Casey, 911 professionals with New Hanover County 911, NC. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – The impact of different shift hours on dispatchers' personal lives. The importance of community programs like the CARE team in supporting frequent callers. How previous careers in public service prepared Maddie and Casey for dispatch wor...

Ep 591 features Courtnie, a 911 Quality and Training Manager with New Hanover County 911, NC. Episode topics – Discover the challenges and strategies of bridging the gap between seasoned dispatchers and new recruits. Understand the evolving culture in 911 centers and the importance of a supportive work environment. Hear about Courtnie's journey into public safety and the experiences that have shap...

Ep 590 features Kasey Young, ENP, Executive Director at Stanislaus Regional 911 out of California. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Support Stanislaus Regional 911 by purchasing a Rocket Scientist's shirt. Proceeds go to their wellness team. Purchase here - SR911 Rocket Scientist's T-shirt Episode topics – Kasey Young's journey and 17 years of public safety experience T...

Ep 589 features Ryan, a 911 Professional, and Industry Partner with Mindbase with special guests, his parents Ronnie and Carla out of North Carolina. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Early influences on Ryan and his brother Tyler's interest in public safety The role of family support when facing the challenges of a first responder career Ryans' moving r...

Ep 588 features Angela, a 911 Professional out of New Hanover County 911, NC. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Angela's introduction to the dispatch field and the unexpected surprises along the way The importance of mental health and wellness for dispatchers Angela's experiences with medical calls and their emotional impact Advice to new hires on mainta...

Ep 587 features Shana, a 911 Professional out of Massachusetts. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Transitioning from a towing company dispatcher to 911 dispatcher Facing the emotional challenges and responsibilities of the job Handling a traumatic personal experience while on duty The significance of mental health and self-care in high-stress professions...

Ep 586 features Jenny, an Operations Manager, Nashoba Valley Regional Dispatch, Massachusetts . Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Jenny's journey from being an EMT to a 911 dispatcher Navigating the challenges of training and early calls The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her dispatch work Dealing with intense and emotional 911 calls Her transformati...

Ep 585 features Donna, a 911 Professional at Travis County Sheriff's Office out of Austin, TX. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Challenges and surprises of starting in public safety Donna's transformative experience at a unique leadership training event Early career stories, including memorable calls and interactions The impact and bond of working in a...

Ep 584 features Scottie, a 911 Professional at Cumberland County Regional Communications, Maine. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – The importance of networking in public safety The memorable transition from an EMT to a 911 dispatcher A harrowing call involving an allergic reaction and quick police response The lasting impact of the job on personal life a...

Ep 583 features Tenisha, a 911 Professional at Cumberland County Regional Communications, Maine. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – The initial surprises and challenges of being a fresh 911 dispatcher Transitioning from customer service to public safety Memorable and intense calls within her first weeks Advice for those considering a career in dispatch If...

Ep 582 features Desmond, a Community Relations Supervisor at Cobb County 911 out of GA. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Desmond talks about his unexpected entry into 911 dispatching The challenges and changes in the hiring and training process over the past 10 years Memorable and impactful calls Desmond has handled The importance of community and peer...

Ep 581 features Emily, a CTO at Cobb County 911 out of GA. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Emily's initial reluctance to disclose her hearing aids and how she overcame it The importance of supportive colleagues and genuine leadership Emily's emotional experience with using hearing aids for the first time Significance of addressing personal and mental h...

Ep 580 features Kathy and Jason Lott with the Thin Gold Line Foundation. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Find out more about the Thin Gold Line Foundation - Web Episode topics – Jason's traumatic first call and its long-lasting impacts Coping with critical incidents and lack of immediate support Kathy and Jason's journey through severe health challenges and misdiagnose...

Ep 579 features a panel discussion entitled "No Dispatcher Left Behind." The panelists include Roxy VanGundy, director of Lyon County 911, KS, Erin Maccabee, a First Responder Clinician and Co-host of the After the Tones Drop Podcast, Cinnamon Reiheld, a First Responder Clinician and Co-host of the After the Tones Drop Podcast, and myself, Ricardo. This session was part of the Dare to be Great vir...

Ep 578 features Kate, a Business Manager at Cobb County 911 out of GA.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Kate's emergency response experience and the evolution of technology Emotional toll of dispatch work and Kate's background with Homeland Security Importance of understanding personal strengths and finding the right role Kate's transition to Cobb Coun...

Ep 577 features Kysheem, an Emergency Communications Officer-2 at Cobb County 911 out of GA.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Real-life experiences from Kysheem's first emergency calls Comparison of phone and radio roles in emergency communications Detailed overview of the extensive training process for dispatchers Importance of staying composed and un...