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 chairing.

Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the critical and challenging work that 911 dispatchers do every day.

Special thanks to our Hero Sponsor, Squad Life!

Visit www.squad-life.com and tell them Tracy sent you.

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 overwhelming call volumes. Managers and leaders must proactively check in on their staff's wellbeing, not just immediately after an incident but in the following months. Barry Furey has an extensive background in public safety, including roles as a 911 director in multiple states and as a fire officer.

Special thanks to our Hero Sponsor, Squad Life!

Visit www.squad-life.com and tell them Tracy sent you.

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 family.

Special thanks to our Hero Sponsor, Squad Life! Visit www.sqaud-life.com and tell them Tracy Sent you.

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 health initiatives look like today and how leadership has a “Duty to act” when our team members struggle. Visit www.millioncs.com and tell her Tracy sent you.”

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 also share how agencies like Baldwin County, AL use our DISC training to help with their team's interpersonal relationships.

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 to send Isaac a public safety patch or challenge coin.

Sgt. Isaac Pruitt

Po. Box 12670

Harrisburg, PA

17112

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 and help others in their mental health journey.

Special thanks to our Premier Sponsor, NGA - Next Generation Advanced. 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. 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 stay there.

Special thanks to our Premier Sponsor, NGA - Next Generation Advanced. 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. 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 conversation.

Special thanks to our Premier Sponsor, NGA - Next Generation Advanced. For more information on all your NextGen 9-1-1 needs head on over to NGA 911 and tell them Tracy sent you.