Libsyn Directory

Within the Trenches Ep 624

Release Date: 10/15/2025

Within the Trenches

Ep 628 features Janie and Nate, 911 professionals with Cass County Central Dispatch in Michigan. Sponsored by INdigital - | | | RapidSOS - | | | 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...

Within the Trenches Ep 627

Within the Trenches

Ep 627 features Tipi, the Chief of Staff at the Office of Unified Communications (OUC). Sponsored by INdigital - | | | RapidSOS - | | | 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...

Within the Trenches Ep 626

Within the Trenches

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 . 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 Sponsored by INdigital - | | | RapidSOS - | | | Episode topics – Jim...

Within the Trenches Ep 625

Within the Trenches

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

Within the Trenches Ep 624

Within the Trenches

Ep 624 features Victoria, a 911 professional out of Texas. Sponsored by INdigital - | | | 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...

Within the Trenches Ep 623

Within the Trenches

Ep 623 features Mandi, a 911 professional out of Texas. Sponsored by INdigital - | | | 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,...

Within the Trenches Ep 622

Within the Trenches

Ep 622 features Jennifer, a 911 professional and Coordinator out of Texas. Sponsored by INdigital - | | | 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...

Within the Trenches Ep 621

Within the Trenches

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 ...

Within the Trenches Ep 620

Within the Trenches

Ep 620 features Heidi, a 911 professional with Anoka County ECC out of Minnesota. Sponsored by INdigital - | | | 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...

Within the Trenches Ep 619

Within the Trenches

Ep 619 features Charles, a 911 professional and CTO at NVRDD, Massachusetts. Sponsored by INdigital - | | | Episode topics – Charles' path from chef and EMT to emergency dispatcher Translating soft skills and multitasking from the kitchen to the comms center The intensity and training required to handle life-and-death calls Handling emotional impact, tough calls, and support systems in dispatch Key advice for new dispatchers and lessons learned from five years in the trenches If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at .

More Episodes

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

TOPICS