Within the Trenches

Ep 629 features Anthony, a 911 professional and supervisor with Cass County Central Dispatch in Michigan.

Episode topics –

• Anthony's path from growing up around the firehouse to working 24 years in public safety and 13 years in dispatch

• The unexpected challenges and misconceptions about working in 911, including memorable early calls and on-the-job lessons

• Raw stories that stuck with Anthony, from life-saving outcomes to heartbreaking losses

• How burnout, compassion, and teamwork shape dispatchers over time

• Rapid changes in 911 technology and how the role continues to evolve amidst new tools and expectations

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at [email protected].

Ep 628 features Janie and Nate, 911 professionals with Cass County Central Dispatch in Michigan.

Sponsored by

INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

Episode topics –

• The nerve-wracking experience of being filmed for a special project at Cass County Central Dispatch and Edwardsburg Fire Department

• How Janie and Nate each found their way into dispatch and their early training struggles

• Their personal accounts of memorable first calls and surprising moments on the job

• Detailed breakdown of a life-saving crash detection incident and rapid response teamwork

• The emotional reunion between dispatchers and the accident survivor, and reflections on how dispatch changes lives

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at [email protected].

Ep 627 features Tipi, the Chief of Staff at the Office of Unified Communications (OUC).

Sponsored by

INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

Episode topics –

• Tipi's journey from high school aspirations to Chief of Staff at the Office of Unified Communications

• Early experiences and powerful calls that shaped her public safety career

• Major differences in call types and procedures between Amtrak and Montgomery County dispatch

• The impact of ECC workplace culture on retention and employee wellness

• Actionable strategies and real examples to improve morale and build positive ECC environments

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at [email protected].

Ep 626 features Jim Schmidt, father of Gabby Petito, first responder, and secretary of the Gabby Petito Foundation. This is a special crossover episode with the Safety Gap podcast where I was a guest co-host with Karin Marquez, Chief Public Safety Brand Officer with RapidSOS.

Learn more about the Gabby Petito Foundation and find resources at https://gabbypetitofoundation.org. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call 1-800-799-SAFE or text START to 88788 for help.

Learn more about the Safety Gap podcast from RapidSOS at rapidsos.com

Sponsored by

INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

Episode topics –

• Jim Schmidt's 25-year journey in public safety, including his experience as a dispatcher, EMT, firefighter, and instructor.

• The Petito family's decision to turn tragedy into advocacy by founding the Gabby Petito Foundation.

• Gaps in first responder and dispatcher training when it comes to recognizing subtle signs of domestic violence.

• How technology and cross-agency collaboration can improve outcomes for survivors.

• Actionable advice for both first responders and the public to identify, intervene, and support those affected by domestic violence.

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at [email protected].

Ep 625 features Phillip Daniels, a 911 Administrator, and Deputy Chief of Desoto Parish Sheriff's Office in Louisiana.

Sponsored by

INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

Episode topics –

• How Philip transitioned from working in an alligator farm to a lasting career in public safety

• The challenges and surprises faced when moving from patrol to dispatch

• Stories of real-life trauma, resilience, and the importance of mental wellness for first responders

• The pivotal impact of dispatcher support and peer connections during difficult calls

• Insights into the ongoing battle for 911 dispatcher reclassification and recognition in public safety

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at [email protected].

Ep 624 features Victoria, a 911 professional out of Texas.

Sponsored by

INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

Episode topics –

• Navigating the massive APCO conference and its unique vendor hall experiences, including the mobile dispatch center "Thor" and wellness puppies

• Victoria's journey from loss prevention to 9-1-1 dispatch and her first intense calls, including a tornado emergency and a deadly accident

• The challenges and mental toll of being a new dispatcher and the expectations of perfection in the role

• Learning about ACE accreditation, protocol-based dispatching, and the importance of quality assurance

• The impact of peer support and mental health resources, how Victoria overcame trauma with EMDR therapy, and her path to becoming an academy instructor after a life-changing leadership retreat

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at [email protected].

Ep 623 features Mandi, a 911 professional out of Texas.

Sponsored by

INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

Episode topics –

• Mandi's journey from a small Texas town to nearly 25 years in public safety, including jumping into dispatch right out of high school

• The challenges of moving from a tiny agency to a much larger city call center

• Honest discussion about early on-the-job "training" and the growth that comes from hard calls

• Memorable and unusual calls from the field—like the elderly lady who took care of business with her shovel

• Why professional growth, stepping out of your comfort zone, and connecting with others in the industry really matter

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at [email protected].

Ep 622 features Jennifer, a 911 professional and Coordinator out of Texas.

Sponsored by

INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web

Episode topics –

• Jennifer's first ever experience at a national public safety conference and her takeaways

• The value of networking, vendor halls, and unexpected wellness moments (like puppy therapy!)

• Transitioning from the military to dispatch, and what it's like jumping into the field during COVID

• Developing the crucial "dispatch ear" and navigating high-pressure calls—including those she'll never forget

• Advice for new dispatchers and the importance of staying resilient and open-minded in a tough profession

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at [email protected].

Ep 621 features Brianna, a 911 professional out of Pennsylvania.

Episode topics –

• Brianna's unconventional start in public safety and how an EMT background led to a dispatch career

• Behind-the-scenes of dispatcher training, early challenges, and handling life-or-death calls

• Discussion of high-stress incidents, including a hostage situation that blurred the line between hoax and reality

• The evolving culture around wellness and mental health in 911 dispatch

• Brianna's powerful personal "why" for serving in emergency communications and what she wishes she'd known at the start

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at [email protected].

Ep 620 features Heidi, a 911 professional with Anoka County ECC out of Minnesota.

Sponsored by

INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web

Episode topics –

• The realities and challenges of starting a career in 911 dispatch decades ago

• How conference networking and volunteering can impact your career and growth

• The drastic changes in technology from paper logs to AI-assisted call management

• The importance of mental health support and culture change in emergency communications

• Memorable, high-impact calls and advice for those entering or working in the dispatch profession

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at [email protected].