As many of our NG911FutureMakers™ have commented in past episodes, education and training in addition to personal and mental health are all key cornerstones of the successful emergency services telecommunicator. Just as important, of any good standards organization, is the training and educational arm that ensures that those key tenants are met and maintained in their industry. While this week's guest claims he started taking calls back in the 1800s taking emergency calls, we know that is simply his love for the industry speaking from the heart. He has earned the respect and trust of thousands, always willing to step up to the plate, always willing to "do the right thing", and always with the concerns and well being of others put in front of himself. I simply cannot think of many other 911 professionals that have given of themselves to this industry, and impacted the lives of civilians and dispatchers alike. That being the case, it is my great pleasure to bring you a true NG911FutureMaker™, and someone I am proud to call a close personal friend, Ty Wooten ENP, the Director of Education at NENA.

AUDIO PODCAST: Metro Nashville Emergency Communications Center Director Stephen Martini started out as a dispatcher in Chattanooga TN, where he spent several years on the desk honing his communications officer skills. He then moved to Hamilton County where he concentrated on training and QA for the staff there, earning his ENP. Martini then furthered his supervisory skills in Brentwood for several years before moving up to Director at Metro Nashville. We discussed the importance of maintaining interest and levels of excellence within the staff at the center, and how to move employees forward in their call handling expertise while embracing technology to get the job done better wherever possible. He understands the technology enough to know that system diversity is the best prevention of failure, and looks to build out NG911 services in the Country Music capital of the world, By providing expanded services to the citizens under his care. Steven martini is an excellent example of today's NG911 FutureMakers™.

Each year the Orleans Parish welcomes millions of visitors for various festivals, events, and overall good times. With any major metropolis with a massive population influx of visitors, 911 location is absolutely critical due to the unfamiliarity of citizens needing help, but having no idea where they actually are located. In an effort to quell that problem, Tyrell is implementing technology in his center focused on next generation 911 location enhancements as well as additional information that can be collected from hotels, businesses and the vast pool of IOT devices available today. Join me as I learn how this NG911 FutureMaker™ is preparing his agency and staff for the next generation of 911 services.

Next Generation 911 services will expose the call taker to a whole host of new information and awareness. This will not only allow them to do their job better, but add additional context to situations that is not possible today. To cope with this evolution, keeping employee mental health is critical as they continue to be at the core of the situation. Jamison Peevyhouse, Director of Customer Success at RapidSOS talks about their role in this important chain if care.

The 911 center in Washington DC Has the unique challenge of providing services to over 30 police agencies servicing the national capital region. Interfacing with the Metro Police Department as well as each agencies federal police department isn't an easy task. In addition, the centers 400 employees need a strong leader who can be responsive to their needs, especially in these challenging times. Join me as I talk with Karima Holmes, about her challenges and solutions, and what makes her an NG911 FutureMaker.

Industry plays an important role in introducing the technology to enable NG911 solutions, but they also carry the responsibility of enabling the individuals with support programs and mentoring as they build the future workforce that will be required to sustain the market. Michael Martin, CEO of RapidSOS has done just that moving from New Kid on the Block to Thought Leader in just several short years. Listen in as we talk about his journey becoming an NG911 FutureMaker™.

NG911 FutureMaker™ Tracy Eldridge has made it her goal to care for and provide an outlet to the 10's of thousands of call takers that spend countless hours under the headset in the constant line of fire of never-ending drama. Despite her own PTSD from the job, she assists her colleagues to learn and deal with the constant stress and mental anguish, and do what they love - save lives. Passionate about teaching - Tracy is a Next GENERATION FutureMaker™

D. Jeremy DeMar is a true student of the industry In every sense of the word. As the Executive Director of Mountain Valley Emergency Communications, he has the mandate to balance cost and functionality to a high profile center in one of northern New Jersey's most affluent areas, while developing the careers of his staff of FutureMakers; all while dealing with an unprecedented pandemic.