Viewpoints by Equature

Lori Knight began her career as an RN and found her way to Disneyland as the EMS Manager. Follow along as this “cast member” shares her journey and her most memorable moment at Disney. Learn how she was appointed to the National EMS Advisory Council and how she prepared herself for retirement job.

Harriet Rennie-Brown began her career in 9-1-1 after working in Corrections. She shares her journey and goals in this candid and light-hearted interview. Her valuable, heartfelt advice to all is an added bonus to her audience.

This podcast highlights the unique connection between family members (Steven Leese & Anthony (Tony) Leese; Millie McConnaughey & Cherie Bartram) in public safety.  Watching a parent in the 9-1-1 / public safety career often has the beneficial impact of raising up the next generation to serve the public.  Watch and hear the changes and stories from two families spanning over 40 years in public safety.

Cherie Bartram had a chance to talk with Carl Simpson on his journey in public safety.  Beginning his service to public safety in the private sector enabled Carl to have a strong depth of understanding on what would help those he served, regardless of the capacity he served in.  This podcast will highlight career moves, taking care of PSAP staff, and the challenges that occur with moving technology and legislative changes.

Cherie Bartram had a great conversation with Mel Maier who is the retired Oakland County Captain about NG911, Cyber Security and AI.  Technology changes are occurring at such a rapid pace, it can be a struggle for PSAPs to keep up.  What exactly is the future direction of 911?  This podcast will touch on what is important for PSAPs to know and the technology that is critical for the future. Gain a better understanding of NG9-1-1. Discover why knowing about cybersecurity is so important, and what is the future of AI in the PSAP.

In this episode Zach Vogel and Cherie Bartram enjoyed their time talking with April Heinze.  April discovers the career path of a 911 professional while discussing the challenges and triumphs of this exciting career.  Learn April Heinze’s philosophy on how to pursue a dream career in the 911 profession as well as her vision on the future path of 911.

Zach Vogel and Cherie Bartram had an opportunity to talk with Kathryn Schmelzer.  In this episode learn how Kathryn Schmelzer went from dog groomer to the 2020 Michigan Telecommunicator of the Year and National APCO 2021 Telecommunicator of the year winner.  Discover how she started her career and the beliefs that she has committed to,  that made her a stand-out in the field.  Learn her goals, her views on technology and find out what drives this winner, to make a difference.

Zach Vogel and Karen Gregorcic got an opportunity to talk with veteran Jennifer Kirkland who is the Dispatch Manager of Grand Junction in Colorado about her 20+ years in the PSAP.  In this episode we'll explore the history of dispatchers and develop a communication center that is positioned for continued legacy with all of the new technology and staffing challenges ahead.  Along with practices for recruiting, training, supporting and retaining talent.

Our conversation continues in part 2 with Debbie Condino, Andy Brown, Nicole Plauman, and Lindsey Parton of the Macomb Outreach Program on their approach to the opioid epidemic that is sweeping across the country. We’ll discover the successes they have had with helping the patients and family members by using an advanced view of an opioid call for service.

Macomb County Michigan is taking a new approach to the Opioid epidemic sweeping through the country with the Macomb Outreach Program.  In this two-part Podcast, discover the successes Debbie Condino, Andy Brown, Nicole Plauman and Lindsey Parton have had with helping the patients and family members by using an advanced view of an opioid call for service.