Episodes

  • Within the Trenches Ep 584
    Jan 14 2025

    Ep 584 features Scottie, a 911 Professional at Cumberland County Regional Communications, Maine.

    Sponsored by

    INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web

    Episode topics –

    • The importance of networking in public safety

    • The memorable transition from an EMT to a 911 dispatcher

    • A harrowing call involving an allergic reaction and quick police response

    • The lasting impact of the job on personal life and mental health

    If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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    22 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 583
    Jan 7 2025

    Ep 583 features Tenisha, a 911 Professional at Cumberland County Regional Communications, Maine.

    Sponsored by

    INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web

    Episode topics –

    • The initial surprises and challenges of being a fresh 911 dispatcher

    • Transitioning from customer service to public safety

    • Memorable and intense calls within her first weeks

    • Advice for those considering a career in dispatch

    If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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    22 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 582
    Dec 30 2024

    Ep 582 features Desmond, a Community Relations Supervisor at Cobb County 911 out of GA.

    Sponsored by

    INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web

    Episode topics –

    • Desmond talks about his unexpected entry into 911 dispatching

    • The challenges and changes in the hiring and training process over the past 10 years

    • Memorable and impactful calls Desmond has handled

    • The importance of community and peer support in 911 services

    • Desmond reflects on what he's learned and how the profession has shaped him

    If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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    28 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 581
    Dec 30 2024

    Ep 581 features Emily, a CTO at Cobb County 911 out of GA.

    Sponsored by

    INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web

    Episode topics –

    • Emily's initial reluctance to disclose her hearing aids and how she overcame it

    • The importance of supportive colleagues and genuine leadership

    • Emily's emotional experience with using hearing aids for the first time

    • Significance of addressing personal and mental health challenges in the workplace

    • Strategies for better self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance

    If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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    33 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 580
    Dec 23 2024

    Ep 580 features Kathy and Jason Lott with the Thin Gold Line Foundation.

    Sponsored by

    INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web

    Find out more about the Thin Gold Line Foundation - Web

    Episode topics –

    • Jason’s traumatic first call and its long-lasting impacts

    • Coping with critical incidents and lack of immediate support

    • Kathy and Jason’s journey through severe health challenges and misdiagnoses

    • The founding of the Thin Gold Line Foundation to aid dispatchers

    • Advocacy for recognizing dispatchers as first responders and improving mental health resources

    If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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    1 hr and 35 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 579
    Dec 18 2024

    Ep 579 features a panel discussion entitled "No Dispatcher Left Behind." The panelists include Roxy VanGundy, director of Lyon County 911, KS, Erin Maccabee, a First Responder Clinician and Co-host of the After the Tones Drop Podcast, Cinnamon Reiheld, a First Responder Clinician and Co-host of the After the Tones Drop Podcast, and myself, Ricardo. This session was part of the Dare to be Great virtual event that took place from December 9 through 13th, 2024.

    Sponsored by

    INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web

    Episode topics –

    • Strategies for maintaining identity and support post-dispatch service

    • Emotional and psychological impacts of transitioning out of dispatch roles

    • Rethinking traditional practices and fostering inclusivity in social gatherings

    • Importance of community and connectivity among current and former 911 workers

    If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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    1 hr and 49 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 578
    Dec 16 2024

    Ep 578 features Kate, a Business Manager at Cobb County 911 out of GA.

    Sponsored by

    INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web

    Episode topics –

    • Kate's emergency response experience and the evolution of technology

    • Emotional toll of dispatch work and Kate's background with Homeland Security

    • Importance of understanding personal strengths and finding the right role

    • Kate's transition to Cobb County 911 and her motivation driven by past tragedies

    If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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    36 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 577
    Dec 15 2024

    Ep 577 features Kysheem, an Emergency Communications Officer-2 at Cobb County 911 out of GA.

    Sponsored by

    INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web

    Episode topics –

    • Real-life experiences from Kysheem’s first emergency calls

    • Comparison of phone and radio roles in emergency communications

    • Detailed overview of the extensive training process for dispatchers

    • Importance of staying composed and understanding subtle communication cues in 911

    If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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    33 mins