Imagine someone taking the precise, methodical safety systems from commercial aviation and applying them to the dynamic, often unpredictable world of mountain rescue. That's exactly what Carl Peacher has accomplished at Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol, creating a fascinating bridge between two seemingly different environments that share critical safety requirements.

The PNWD History Project:  Shirley Cummings, the official history project coordinator, (& all around fabulous lady), has been on a mission: Collect and assemble an archive of stories and pictures from the different ski patrols within the Pacific Northwest Division. Hence, Patroller Chats was born! 

Click to share what you thought about this episode & who or what you might like next.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode of Patroller Chats, please follow and subscribe. We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode and if you know a long-time patroller that we should chat with, send us a message. Please share this podcast with those who love the outdoors while learning some insight and history. Consider becoming a supporter and keeping our history alive.

Until our next Patroller Chat: Be Safe, Be Seen, Be Aware, and as always - Know Before You Go!….this has been Patroller Chats.

• Learn more about the Pacific Northwest Ski Patrol and how to join at:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/info-compass.html
• Find more about Patroller Chats:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/patroller-chats-pnwd-the-podcast.html
• The History Project can be found at:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/history.html
• Safety4All is learning about being safe while enjoying the great outdoors:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/safety-information.html
• Consider following our Social media links too!

Wellness isn't just a buzzword—it's a critical component of performance for those who respond to emergencies on the mountain and beyond. This revealing conversation, recorded at the Pacific Northwest Division's annual 2025 Convention, brings together an extraordinary panel of experts from across the first responder spectrum to share hard-won insights about building resilience in high-stress environments. (2:2 Parts)

This Keynote Panel's conversation brought together specialists from crisis response dog teams, fire departments, mountain rescue, police, and the FBI to share their hard-won wisdom about building resilience in high-stress environments. Their insights reveal that while different first responder groups may speak different operational languages, they share common challenges in maintaining mental wellness while performing demanding duties.

https://www.hopeaacr.org HOPE Nationwide Canines. Phone: 877-467-3597 Teams - Respond at No Charge

Seattle Fire Dept: email [email protected] 

SeattleMountainRescue.org & email: [email protected]

Bluegritwellness.com & email: [email protected]

Kristin Cox talked about: 

• Kevin Gilmartin, Emotional Survivor for Law Enforcement. (“Really for all first responders” per Kristin Cox)
  • https://tendtoolkit.com/emotional-survival-law-enforcement-gilmartin/ 
• Tactical Empathy: 
  • an example: https://www.blackswanltd.com/newsletter/when-crisis-strikes-how-to-use-a-tactical-empathy-approach

This concludes the Keynote Panel Discussion. We really appreciate everyone's participation from the panel members, the HOPE Dog teams, and all that attended! 

Let’s continue the conversation around wellness, resilience, and innovation within ou

Click to share what you thought about this episode & who or what you might like next.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode of Patroller Chats, please follow and subscribe. We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode and if you know a long-time patroller that we should chat with, send us a message. Please share this podcast with those who love the outdoors while learning some insight and history. Consider becoming a supporter and keeping our history alive.

Until our next Patroller Chat: Be Safe, Be Seen, Be Aware, and as always - Know Before You Go!….this has been Patroller Chats.

• Learn more about the Pacific Northwest Ski Patrol and how to join at:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/info-compass.html
• Find more about Patroller Chats:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/patroller-chats-pnwd-the-podcast.html
• The History Project can be found at:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/history.html
• Safety4All is learning about being safe while enjoying the great outdoors:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/safety-information.html
• Consider following our Social media links too!

Wellness isn't just a buzzword—it's a critical component of performance for those who respond to emergencies on the mountain and beyond. This revealing conversation, recorded at the Pacific Northwest Division's annual 2025 Convention, brings together an extraordinary panel of experts from across the first responder spectrum to share hard-won insights about building resilience in high-stress environments. (Part 1:2)
 
This Keynote Panel's conversation brings together specialists from crisis response dog teams, fire departments, mountain rescue, police, and the FBI to share their hard-won wisdom about building resilience in high-stress environments. Their insights reveal that while different first responder groups may speak different operational languages, they share common challenges in maintaining mental wellness while performing demanding duties.

https://www.hopeaacr.org HOPE Nationwide Canines. 

Phone: 877-467-3597 Teams - Respond at No Charge

Seattle Fire Dept: email [email protected] 

SeattleMountainRescue.org & email: [email protected]

Bluegritwellness.com & email: [email protected]

That wraps up Part 1 of our special convention edition of Patroller Chats.

We hope you found inspiration in the stories and strategies shared by our incredible panelists — real-world wisdom from those who know what it means to lead and serve under pressure.

As we continue the conversation around wellness, resilience, and innovation in our patrol communities, remember: taking care of others starts with taking care of ourselves and each other.

Stay tuned for Part 2, the last half of the Keynote Session where we continue with the amazing Q&A.  

Click to share what you thought about this episode & who or what you might like next.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode of Patroller Chats, please follow and subscribe. We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode and if you know a long-time patroller that we should chat with, send us a message. Please share this podcast with those who love the outdoors while learning some insight and history. Consider becoming a supporter and keeping our history alive.

Until our next Patroller Chat: Be Safe, Be Seen, Be Aware, and as always - Know Before You Go!….this has been Patroller Chats.

• Learn more about the Pacific Northwest Ski Patrol and how to join at:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/info-compass.html
• Find more about Patroller Chats:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/patroller-chats-pnwd-the-podcast.html
• The History Project can be found at:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/history.html
• Safety4All is learning about being safe while enjoying the great outdoors:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/safety-information.html
• Consider following our Social media links too!

In this thought-provoking episode of Patroller Chats, we dive into the often-overlooked world of first responder wellness with an exceptional panel of experts from across First Responders of varying  emergency services. (Part 1:2)

Recorded at the 2025 Pacific Northwest Division's annual convention, this Keynote Panel's conversation brings together specialists from crisis response dog teams, fire departments, mountain rescue, police, and the FBI to share their hard-won wisdom about building resilience in high-stress environments. Their insights reveal that while different first responder groups may speak different operational languages, they share common challenges in maintaining mental wellness while performing demanding duties.

https://www.hopeaacr.org HOPE Nationwide Canines. 877-467-3597 Teams Respond at No Charge

[email protected] email

SeattleMountainRescue.org & email: [email protected]

Bluegritwellness.com & email: [email protected]

Click to share what you thought about this episode & who or what you might like next.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode of Patroller Chats, please follow and subscribe. We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode and if you know a long-time patroller that we should chat with, send us a message. Please share this podcast with those who love the outdoors while learning some insight and history. Consider becoming a supporter and keeping our history alive.

Until our next Patroller Chat: Be Safe, Be Seen, Be Aware, and as always - Know Before You Go!….this has been Patroller Chats.

• Learn more about the Pacific Northwest Ski Patrol and how to join at:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/info-compass.html
• Find more about Patroller Chats:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/patroller-chats-pnwd-the-podcast.html
• The History Project can be found at:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/history.html
• Safety4All is learning about being safe while enjoying the great outdoors:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/safety-information.html
• Consider following our Social media links too!

When someone dedicates decades to emergency services, the impact ripples outward in ways they may never fully witness. Kathy's story exemplifies this powerful truth as she shares her remarkable journey through the National Ski Patrol system. We continue with Kathy in Part 3...

The PNWD History Project:  Shirley Cummings, the official history project coordinator, (& all around fabulous lady), has been on a mission: Collect and assemble an archive of stories and pictures from the different ski patrols within the Pacific Northwest Division. Hence, Patroller Chats was born! 

Click to share what you thought about this episode & who or what you might like next.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode of Patroller Chats, please follow and subscribe. We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode and if you know a long-time patroller that we should chat with, send us a message. Please share this podcast with those who love the outdoors while learning some insight and history. Consider becoming a supporter and keeping our history alive.

Until our next Patroller Chat: Be Safe, Be Seen, Be Aware, and as always - Know Before You Go!….this has been Patroller Chats.

• Learn more about the Pacific Northwest Ski Patrol and how to join at:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/info-compass.html
• Find more about Patroller Chats:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/patroller-chats-pnwd-the-podcast.html
• The History Project can be found at:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/history.html
• Safety4All is learning about being safe while enjoying the great outdoors:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/safety-information.html
• Consider following our Social media links too!

We continue with Kathy Alexander as she shares her extensive career journey in ski patrol and outdoor safety, highlighting the significant changes in equipment, uniforms, and training methods over her decades of service.

The PNWD History Project:  Shirley Cummings, the official history project coordinator, (& all around fabulous lady), has been on a mission: Collect and assemble an archive of stories and pictures from the different ski patrols within the Pacific Northwest Division. Hence, Patroller Chats was born! 

Click to share what you thought about this episode & who or what you might like next.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode of Patroller Chats, please follow and subscribe. We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode and if you know a long-time patroller that we should chat with, send us a message. Please share this podcast with those who love the outdoors while learning some insight and history. Consider becoming a supporter and keeping our history alive.

Until our next Patroller Chat: Be Safe, Be Seen, Be Aware, and as always - Know Before You Go!….this has been Patroller Chats.

• Learn more about the Pacific Northwest Ski Patrol and how to join at:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/info-compass.html
• Find more about Patroller Chats:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/patroller-chats-pnwd-the-podcast.html
• The History Project can be found at:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/history.html
• Safety4All is learning about being safe while enjoying the great outdoors:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/safety-information.html
• Consider following our Social media links too!

Kathy's professional path exemplifies how ski patrol skills translate across emergency services. After transitioning from volunteer to paid patrol, she became Mount Bachelor's Safety Administrator (Risk Manager), then joined Bend Fire as a paramedic in 1994. Her first aid journey began much earlier—as a Girl Scout lifeguard in the 60's—creating a foundation that supported five decades of water safety instruction alongside her snow-based rescue work. Even after retiring from Bend Fire after 29 years of service, she continues volunteering there and also patrolling at Santiam Pass Ski Patrol.

The PNWD History Project:  Shirley Cummings, the official history project coordinator, (& all around fabulous lady), has been on a mission: Collect and assemble an archive of stories and pictures from the different ski patrols within the Pacific Northwest Division. Hence, Patroller Chats was born! 

Click to share what you thought about this episode & who or what you might like next.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode of Patroller Chats, please follow and subscribe. We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode and if you know a long-time patroller that we should chat with, send us a message. Please share this podcast with those who love the outdoors while learning some insight and history. Consider becoming a supporter and keeping our history alive.

Until our next Patroller Chat: Be Safe, Be Seen, Be Aware, and as always - Know Before You Go!….this has been Patroller Chats.

• Learn more about the Pacific Northwest Ski Patrol and how to join at:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/info-compass.html
• Find more about Patroller Chats:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/patroller-chats-pnwd-the-podcast.html
• The History Project can be found at:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/history.html
• Safety4All is learning about being safe while enjoying the great outdoors:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/safety-information.html
• Consider following our Social media links too!

Carol Fountain takes us on a nostalgic journey through her remarkable career with the Bogus Basin Ski Patrol, revealing how morning meetings became history lessons and cinnamon rolls turned into coveted prizes. Her leadership philosophy centered around recognition—making sure every patroller felt valued for their contributions, something she believes remains crucial for today's patrol leaders.  (Part 2 of 2; Pam Carson in audience too)

The PNWD History Project:  Shirley Cummings, the official history project coordinator, (& all around fabulous lady), has been on a mission: Collect and assemble an archive of stories and pictures from the different ski patrols within the Pacific Northwest Division. Hence, Patroller Chats was born! 

Click to share what you thought about this episode & who or what you might like next.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode of Patroller Chats, please follow and subscribe. We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode and if you know a long-time patroller that we should chat with, send us a message. Please share this podcast with those who love the outdoors while learning some insight and history. Consider becoming a supporter and keeping our history alive.

Until our next Patroller Chat: Be Safe, Be Seen, Be Aware, and as always - Know Before You Go!….this has been Patroller Chats.

• Learn more about the Pacific Northwest Ski Patrol and how to join at:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/info-compass.html
• Find more about Patroller Chats:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/patroller-chats-pnwd-the-podcast.html
• The History Project can be found at:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/history.html
• Safety4All is learning about being safe while enjoying the great outdoors:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/safety-information.html
• Consider following our Social media links too!

Carol Fountain shares her 50-year journey with the National Ski Patrol at Bogus Basin, Idaho, providing a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of mountain rescue from the 1970s to today. Her perspective as both a nurse and longtime patroller reveals how emergency care, equipment, and ski culture have transformed over five decades.

The PNWD History Project:  Shirley Cummings, the official history project coordinator, (& all around fabulous lady), has been on a mission: Collect and assemble an archive of stories and pictures from the different ski patrols within the Pacific Northwest Division. Hence, Patroller Chats was born! 

Click to share what you thought about this episode & who or what you might like next.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode of Patroller Chats, please follow and subscribe. We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode and if you know a long-time patroller that we should chat with, send us a message. Please share this podcast with those who love the outdoors while learning some insight and history. Consider becoming a supporter and keeping our history alive.

Until our next Patroller Chat: Be Safe, Be Seen, Be Aware, and as always - Know Before You Go!….this has been Patroller Chats.

• Learn more about the Pacific Northwest Ski Patrol and how to join at:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/info-compass.html
• Find more about Patroller Chats:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/patroller-chats-pnwd-the-podcast.html
• The History Project can be found at:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/history.html
• Safety4All is learning about being safe while enjoying the great outdoors:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/safety-information.html
• Consider following our Social media links too!

Ski Patrol Has Changed, But Friendship Remains the Heart of Service. Longtime Mt Hood patroller, Gordy Winterrowd shares insights from his 50+ years of service, reflecting on the evolution of rescue equipment and the changing relationship between volunteer and paid patrol staff. Click here to see the pictures he is describing while chatting with us!

Welcome to Patroller Chats. What began as a way to support the history project, led by our own historian- Shirley Cummings has grown into a fun, informative, and definitely inspiring podcast. We're connecting with patroller's, hosts and more from across the Pacific Northwest. Diving into the stories, traditions, and unique histories of our amazing volunteers, all while having a great time, sharing some laughs, and getting into some spirited, heartfelt conversations.  This is Patroller Chats.

Click to share what you thought about this episode & who or what you might like next.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode of Patroller Chats, please follow and subscribe. We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode and if you know a long-time patroller that we should chat with, send us a message. Please share this podcast with those who love the outdoors while learning some insight and history. Consider becoming a supporter and keeping our history alive.

Until our next Patroller Chat: Be Safe, Be Seen, Be Aware, and as always - Know Before You Go!….this has been Patroller Chats.

• Learn more about the Pacific Northwest Ski Patrol and how to join at:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/info-compass.html
• Find more about Patroller Chats:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/patroller-chats-pnwd-the-podcast.html
• The History Project can be found at:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/history.html
• Safety4All is learning about being safe while enjoying the great outdoors:
  • https://www.nsp-pnwd.org/safety-information.html
• Consider following our Social media links too!