Viewpoints by Equature

Curious about the experience of balancing parenthood and a career in public safety? Dive into this podcast where you can listen to firsthand accounts from individuals who have successfully raised their children to adulthood, as well as those who are still in the midst of the journey. Get ready to be entertained by their anecdotes, surprised by their emotions, and gain insights into the unique perspectives and challenges faced by those working in the field, both behind the badge and under the headset.

Have you ever struggled with training? Why was learning fun when you were younger and yet so boring as an adult? Join Doug and Jill Showalter on our podcast to learn how they took the idea of learning is fun and applied some simple techniques into PSAP learning. Doug and Jill encourage each person to put priority on investing in themselves: it's the best investment you can make and will make YOU the "go-to" person! Don't miss this podcast for some great insight on innovative training.

Tracy Eldridge uses humor and blunt honesty when relaying her own experiences in her goal to help others avoid the pitfalls she made in her journey in public safety. "Life is too short to not know how to save one!" and she urges people to look within when using that quote. Join her in our podcast as we listen to Tracy talk about the importance of leadership, knowing your own self, why people-centered leadership is so important (and with a different twist on this topic than you might be thinking!). Tracy will also share why it’s not okay to settle for unhappiness and the importance of investing in YOU! Tracy will entertain and educate you in this one-hour presentation. No matter where you are in your career, this will be a podcast you will want to put on your calendar!

Eric Parry has been a leader in the public safety industry for 50+ years, from the road, to all aspects of 9-1-1, consulting, teaching, his history is impressive. This podcast explores the traits of a leader, how one reacts to mistakes and empowers those around them. This episode will provide those in public safety with examples of where this career can take them, if they choose to walk-the-walk.

Ready to Retire? Or are you thinking it’s time to step down, but you aren’t really ready to let go of that public safety bug that bit you all those years ago? Join our podcast and learn about what Constable Tracy Ward did with the lessons she learned in her career on the road and in the dispatch center. She will talk about how she overcame early chauvinistic challenges and how she set her vision, planning for her the next phases of her career. Her story comes with her surprise realization of her own personal bias that stopped her in her path and prompted her to make changes that impacted hundreds for the better.

Adam Timm is continuing his journey becoming well-known throughout the public safety 9-1-1 world.  This podcast will explore the successes and challenges that Adam has experienced on his journey from the dispatcher to the business owner.  Throughout the episode, Adam offers sound advice and leadership to all those who watch.

Chaplain James Friedman,  husband, father, grandfather, pastor, police officer, business owner, trainer, and friend.  What hasn't this man done!  Chaplain Friedman shares the impact of a Chaplain program for a public safety organization and how to set one up and nurture it.  He also discusses his personal knowledge of autism and the challenges the disorder brings to public safety from 9-1-1 to contact on the street. Chaplain Friedman will make you laugh and make you pause to think about these topics in ways you may have never done before.

Cherie Bartram got a chance to chat with Chief Lillian Bonsignore who served for the FDNY for over 30 years.  She was there when the twin towers were struck, and she has been a pivotal member of the New York Fire Department serving in many capacities throughout her tenure. Chief Bonsignore has accomplished many goals in her career with her simple but powerful philosophy of don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't... As a Chief for FDNY, Chief Bonsignore supervises 41-- EMTs, paramedics, EMS officers, and civilian employees.  Listen to her story as she relays her life lessons, her many firsts, and her plans for her future.  Chief Bonsignore offers several teachable moments throughout the podcast.

Cherie Bartram got a chance to talk with Katie Donovan on her dedication to helping those that are affected by substance abuse and sharing her personal story.  Substance use disorders (SUD) are some of the most highly stigmatized health conditions worldwide. Stigma creates barriers to support the person as well as early intervention, screening, treatment, and effective recovery, particularly in healthcare settings.  This podcast will explore the stigma associated with the family of someone who abuses/uses drugs as well as for the person, who may be labeled because of his/her drug usage. It will provide a deeper understanding for first responders from the perspective of a family who’s been there. This mindset shift will allow responders to wonder compassionately about the situation they are responding and how their words and actions make a powerful impact.  inspire to educate individuals and families about the latest stigma research, as well as equip them with tools to respond. Listeners will learn about the different types of stigma, the social construct of stigma, the importance of using non-stigmatizing language, and innovations to reduce stigma in health and justice settings.

Bryce Tracy has been the Assistant Emergency Manager and 911 Coordinator for Mackinac County, Michigan, for over seventeen years. He began his service to public safety before graduating from high school and continued as a certified firefighter in the early 90’s. Under Bryce’s leadership Michigan’s Upper Peninsula led the way as the Upper Peninsula 911 Authority creating an infrastructure for shared resources across the region, migrating from copper to fiber and linking eight PSAPs together for a virtual consolidation. Bryce is also responsible for the training of several PSAP leaders in Michigan who have gained knowledge and experience implementing MABAS. Bryce humbly shares his vision for Michigan’s 911 PSAPs and his reminders for the industry.