Let's Talk Dispatch

In this special episode of The Let’s Talk Dispatch Podcast, we're shaking things up with a conversation that goes both ways! I’m joined by students from Seneca College’s 911 & Emergency Services Communications Program, where they’re diving into an APCO-accredited course on Communication and Center Technology. These future dispatchers have just as many questions for me as I do for them. Tune in to hear how Canada is shaping the next generation of dispatchers, and how The Ras...

In this episode of Let's Talk Dispatch, we welcome Matthew King, a seasoned 911 professional with over 19 years of experience. From his beginnings as an Orlando fire dispatcher to his rise to management in just 12 years, Matthew has seen it all—both the highs and the challenges of transitioning from frontline dispatcher to leadership. Tune in as we dive deep into the lessons he’s learned along the way, emphasizing the importance of supervisors staying human, fostering trust, and emb...

In this episode of Let’s Talk Dispatch, we’re thrilled to welcome back Jenn Marshall for her second appearance! Jenn is a traveling dispatcher who represents getResQ911, a company founded by Diane Carroll, dedicated to serving 911 agencies and workers. GetResQ911 was born out of a deep passion for the industry. Diane, who spent 22 years in dispatch herself, understands the challenges on both sides—from the dispatcher’s need for family and downtime to the agency’s mission and citizen expe...

On this Episode of Let’s Talk Dispatch we are joined by Regina Milkovich and Cynthia Hudson, seasoned dispatch supervisors at the Goodyear Police Department in Arizona. With a combined 45+ years of experience, these two share a deep passion for improving morale in dispatch centers. In this episode, they discuss the importance of taking baby steps to create a positive work environment, the value of finding a work BFF, and how mentorship can transform a team.Get to know their unique journey, th...

Our guest today on the Let's Talk Dispatch Podcast brings over 26 years of experience in public safety and emergency management. Having worked as a dispatcher, trainer, and manager, Wendy recently transitioned to the private sector, and today she’s sharing her wealth of knowledge on what it takes to hire, train, and support successful dispatchers.We’ll explore the key job skills new dispatchers need to thrive, strategies to prevent burnout in their critical first year, and Wendy’s unique pers...

In this episode of Let's Talk Dispatch, we're joined by Jennifer Boht, a seasoned dispatcher with over nine years of experience in the field. Jennifer's passion for dispatching goes beyond just answering calls—she's committed to shedding light on the critical staffing issues that affect dispatchers and departments alike. Tune in as we dive into the real-world challenges of understaffing, its impact on mental health, and how it shapes the day-to-day experiences of those behind the console. Whe...

Todays episode of Let's Talk Dispatch is a special recording with the Five Oooh Podcast. Host Haley Mirabelli is a dedicated active-duty police officer with a master’s degree in Public Safety Administration. A powerful female voice in the law enforcement community, Haley founded the Never Forgotten Clothing Company, which initially started as a clothing brand for first responders but has since grown into a thriving community. This platform allows first responders to share their stories, ...

Today, we are thrilled to have Maribel, the 9-1-1 Public Education Coordinator for the RGV911 District, as our guest. Maribel plays a crucial role in public safety by organizing training sessions, monitoring progress at dispatch centers. She is also the mastermind behind the impactful Teach 911 program, which educates students on the proper use of 911 services.In our conversation, we'll delve into Maribel's journey into public safety, her experiences and challenges in the field, and her daily...

On todays episode we are joined by Nik, the Chief Strategy Officer of PeerConnect App, an innovative platform designed to support mental health and peer connections. Nik brings a unique perspective to our conversation, not only through his professional role but also through his personal connection to emergency services—his wife is a dispatcher for the Canadian Mental Health Association, with previous experience in police and EMS dispatch.Referred by Cait Lavoie, PeerConnect's Marketing Coordi...

Today we are joined by two retired police officers with over a decade of experience in the First Responder field. They are the driving forces behind Runestone Ranch, an organization recently awarded its 501(c)(3) status, dedicated to mental health outreach for first responders.Brian and Anthony have experienced trauma on the job and know firsthand the importance of peer support and mental health resources. They are here to share their personal stories and the critical mission of Runestone Ran...