Within the Trenches Ep 649
Within the Trenches
Episode 649 features a solo episode with me, Ricardo, and we answer the following questions, "what has dispatch taught me about humanity?" Sponsored by RapidSOS - | | | Episode topics – The impact of the #IAM911 movement and upcoming 10-year anniversary challenge coin Dark realities dispatchers face, including high-stress incidents like officer-involved shootings and domestic calls Stories illustrating the fragility and unpredictability of life as heard through 911 calls Uplifting and rewarding outcomes, from lives saved during crises to heartfelt caller gratitude Why sharing...
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Within the Trenches Ep 648
Within the Trenches
Episode 648 features Brandi, Executive Dir. with The 911 Chaplain Initiative. Sponsored by RapidSOS - | | | The 911 Chaplain Initiative - Episode topics – Brandy Powell’s path from growing up with a police officer father to becoming a 911 dispatcher and chaplain The emotional impact of critical calls and finding closure as a dispatcher How humor, empathy, and community help dispatchers handle career challenges The creation and growth of the 911 Chaplain Initiative and its national academy Opportunities to get involved, upcoming training academies, and how to connect with the...
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Within the Trenches Ep 647
Within the Trenches
Episode 647 features Ashley, a 911 professional with Skiatook Police Department in Oklahoma. Sponsored by RapidSOS - | | | Episode topics – How Ashley got into public safety and her rapid onboarding experience. The challenges and surprises of being a new 911 dispatcher. The emotional impact of emergency calls and handling stress on the job. Ashley's life-saving CPR call and recognition from the community. The importance of peer support, closure, and emotional support animals in dispatch centers. If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show,...
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Within the Trenches Ep 646
Within the Trenches
Episode 646 features Autumn, a 911 professional at Indian River County Sheriff's Office out of Florida. Sponsored by RapidSOS - | | | Episode topics – How Autumn got started in public safety and her motivation behind the career The intense first calls, including challenging suicide and CPR emergencies Coping with emotional stress and the importance of mental health support in dispatch centers Autumn’s unforgettable baby delivery call on Valentine’s Day and earning her stork pin Advice for new dispatchers about training, confidence, and handling tough calls If you have any...
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Within the Trenches Ep 645
Within the Trenches
Episode 645 features an Open Mic LIVE chat with Joe Serio of the 360 Dispatcher as we look at the 911 Leadership Training event he hosts at the Mayan ranch in Bandera, TX. Sponsored by RapidSOS - | | | Episode topics – Behind-the-scenes look at the 911 leadership and mental health training events at the Mayan Ranch The importance of breaking the ice and building real connections among first responders Honest talk about fear, vulnerability, and the obstacles that hold us back—plus how to move forward Inspiring stories about personal and professional transformation from the ranch...
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Within the Trenches Ep 644
Within the Trenches
Episode 644 features a look at the 911 Goes to Washington conference hosted by NENA through, 1st VP, Roxy Van Gundy, Congresswoman Norma Torres, and James, a 911 professional out of NJ. Sponsored by RapidSOS - | | | Episode topics – Breakdown of the importance and impact of the 911 Goes to Washington conference. Updates on the Enhancing First Response Act and the push to reclassify 911 dispatchers as first responders. Inspiring words from Roxy Van Gundy emphasizing that every dispatcher’s voice matters, no matter where they come from. Recognition of Congresswoman Norma Torres,...
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Within the Trenches Ep 643
Within the Trenches
Episode 643 features Keely, Marketing Contractor with RapidSOS, Ben, VP of Product with RapidSOS, and myself as we cover Most Important Seconds - After the Pitt. Sponsored by RapidSOS - | | | Episode topics – Behind-the-scenes of a special HBO Max event honoring first responders and showcasing "The Pit" Real-world challenges of outages in 911 centers and hospitals, and how new tech is making a difference The impact of AI and interoperability in public safety, saving precious seconds and supporting understaffed teams Candid experiences from career dispatchers, EMTs, and product...
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Within the Trenches Ep 642
Within the Trenches
Episode 642 features Alora, director at Unacoi 911 out Tennessee. Sponsored by RapidSOS - | | | Episode topics – How Alora got started in public safety and her rapid shift from part-time to full-time dispatcher The reality of short dispatcher training and surviving the critical early days on the job Experiences handling traumatic and life-changing emergency calls Leading her team through the chaos of Hurricane Helene and the unexpected impact on the community The story of Stella, the dispatch center’s emotional support dog, and the positive effect on team morale If you have...
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Within the Trenches Ep 641
Within the Trenches
Episode 641 features Gina, ECC Engagement Manager, w/RapidSOS and 911 professional Sponsored by RapidSOS - | | | Episode topics – Gina’s journey from a law enforcement family to a career in dispatch and RapidSOS Training challenges and early calls that shaped her perspective Emotional toll and mental health strategies for dispatchers Memorable stories—both comical and intense—that highlight the dispatch experience The shift to RapidSOS, technology’s role in saving lives, and advice for new dispatchers If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest...
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Within the Trenches Ep 640
Within the Trenches
Ep 640 features Shannon, a 911 professional out of Virginia. Sponsored by RapidSOS - | | | Episode topics – Dispatchers’ experiences handling severe winter weather and long shifts Shannon’s unique journey into dispatch and her approach to training new recruits Emotional challenges and the importance of closure after difficult emergency calls The viral “trash panda” (raccoon) liquor store incident and how it unfolded from the dispatch perspective Advice for staying compassionate and positive in a high-stress 911 environment If you have any comments or questions or...
info_outlineEpisode 649 features a solo episode with me, Ricardo, and we answer the following questions, "what has dispatch taught me about humanity?"
Sponsored by
RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web
Episode topics –
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The impact of the #IAM911 movement and upcoming 10-year anniversary challenge coin
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Dark realities dispatchers face, including high-stress incidents like officer-involved shootings and domestic calls
-
Stories illustrating the fragility and unpredictability of life as heard through 911 calls
-
Uplifting and rewarding outcomes, from lives saved during crises to heartfelt caller gratitude
-
Why sharing these powerful stories benefits dispatchers and the public, with resources for ongoing support and education
If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.