Within The Trenches

Ep 613 features Jen, a Quality Assurance and Training Manager with Chagrin Valley 911 Dispatch out of Ohio. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Jen’s path from criminal justice student to finding a lasting career in dispatch. The highs and lows of dispatcher training, including tough trainers and the importance of mentorship. Real stories about adapting to regionalized dispatch operations and handling high-stress situations. Calls that stick with dispatchers–from tragic emergencies to unexpectedly emotional moments. Lessons learned, advice for new dispatchers, and how the profession shapes the people behind the headset. If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 612 features Lani, a CTO and 911 professional with Round Rock PD, TX. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Lani’s unique journey from caring for police K9s to answering life-changing emergency calls The biggest challenges and lessons of 911 call taker training How previous customer service experience prepped Lani for high-stress calls Personal stories from the front lines, including handling officer emergencies and emotional calls The importance of support, mentorship, and mental health resources for dispatchers If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 611 features Emma, a 911 professional with Henderson County Sheriff's Office out of NC. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Emma’s deep-rooted family history in law enforcement and public safety Honest reflections on the challenges and unique support of being raised in a first responder household Transitioning from a paramedic dream to a career in dispatch due to unexpected health issues Navigating the hiring, orientation, and training process at the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Advice for newcomers and personal takeaways after ten months behind the headset If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 610 features Ginny, a 911 professional with Henderson County Sheriff's Office out of NC. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – How Ginny was inspired from a young age to serve her community and what led her to a career in dispatch. The intense learning curve and initial shocks of her early days on the job. The importance of empathy, intuition, and the “human connection” in crisis situations. Changes in training culture, mental health support, and why peer support matters more than ever. Ginny’s best advice for new dispatchers and her reflections on 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 wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 609 features Tiffany, a 911 professional and NENA Gold Line Scholarship recipient out of Utah. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – How attending national conferences transformed Tiffany’s perspective on her career and renewed her passion for 911 dispatch. Her honest account of struggling with work culture, lack of support, and the challenges of not fitting in. The process and impact of winning the prestigious Gold Line Scholarship and what it meant to her professionally and personally. Powerful stories from Tiffany’s first year as a dispatcher, including calls that left a lasting emotional mark. The importance of seeking support, building healthy work environments, and not waiting for permission to put yourself first. If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 608 features Emily, a 911 supervisor with Henderson County Sheriff's Office out of NC. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Emily’s unique work schedule and the infamous Dupont shift explained Her journey from retail to public safety and what drew her to dispatch The importance of support systems both at home and in the workplace Memorable and bizarre calls—from pet monkeys and smart criminals to life-and-death emergencies How dispatch changes you, coping mechanisms, and advice for newcomers in the field If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 607 features Michelle, a 911 professional with Henderson County Sheriff's Office out of NC. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – How Michelle stumbled into dispatch work during college and why it stuck with her The impact of working high-stress 911 calls and handling traumatic incidents Balancing personal wellness with the demands of public safety and learning to set boundaries The evolution of peer support and mental health resources for dispatchers over the years What Michelle wishes she could tell her younger self about identity, self-worth, and life outside the headset If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 606 features Desiree, a 911 professional with Henderson County Sheriff's Office out of NC. Episode topics – Desiree’s journey from curious high school grad to experienced 911 dispatcher The intimidating and unique environment of a dispatch center Handling tough calls, including life-or-death moments and emotional aftermath How public safety work changes you as a person—both toughening and teaching compassion Desiree’s advice to her younger self about resilience and standing strong in the face of adversity If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 605 features Shanna, a 911 shift supervisor and CTO with Henderson County Sheriff's Office out of NC. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – What it’s really like starting out as a 911 dispatcher and walking into dispatch for the first time The unique skills and "dispatcher ear" needed to juggle intense calls and multitasking Emotional impact and coping with difficult calls, especially those involving children The importance of peer support and teamwork within dispatch centers Advice for new dispatchers and Shanna’s inspiration for becoming a Certified Training Officer If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 604 features Emily, a 911 dispatcher and CTO with Henderson County Sheriff's Office out of NC. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Emily's journey from a business management job during COVID to becoming a 911 dispatcher The challenges and surprises of training and taking her first emergency calls High-intensity moments, including chases and memorable calls that stick with her The emotional toll—and fulfillment—of working in emergency communications Advice Emily would give to her past self and why she can’t imagine doing anything else If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 603 features Sheriff Griffin out of Henderson County in North Carolina. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Sheriff Griffin’s journey from rural volunteer firefighter to county sheriff The excitement, challenge, and camaraderie that fuels a career in public safety Memorable and impactful calls that shaped his career The vital role dispatchers play on the front lines of emergency response Sheriff Griffin’s straightforward advice to those starting out in public safety If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 602 features Hunter, a 911 Professional out of South Carolina. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Hunter’s early start in public safety as a 14-year-old volunteer firefighter and how it shaped his career path The transition from field responder to 911 dispatcher, and the differences between working on scene and behind the headset Memorable and difficult calls, including the impact of traumatic incidents and how they affect mental health Insights into training, working with small teams, and adapting to the high demands of dispatch centers The importance of personal growth, finding balance outside of work, and advice for those new to public safety If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 601 features Rain, an Emergency Communications Officer and CTO, out of Virginia. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – How Rain transitioned from grocery store manager to 911 dispatcher during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic What it's really like to walk into a dispatch center for the first time and train as a new hire The critical role of de-escalation and giving lifesaving instructions over the phone Challenges of work-life balance and mental health for dispatchers, including handling high-impact calls Why Rain became a CTO and her approach to training the next generation of emergency communicators If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 600 features myself. In this episode I take you down a path of reflection from the beginning of the podcast, where it is currently, and the evolution of Within the Trenches and new projects. Episode topics – The origins of Within the Trenches and Ricardo’s dispatch career Memorable stories and calls that shaped the podcast Behind-the-scenes of launching the podcast and early challenges with audio and content The evolution of the show, including the #IAM911 movement and Imagine Listening What’s next for the podcast and how the community can get involved If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 599 features Amy, a 911 professional out of Buncombe County Public Safety in North Carolina. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Amy’s start in public safety, transitioning from a hospital translator to 911 dispatcher Handling overwhelming call volumes and life-or-death situations during Hurricane Helene The emotional impact of difficult calls and the importance of peer support and self-care Adapting to chaos, including technology breakdowns and working without contact from family Moments of hope: community support, the power of kind words, and the road to recovery If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 598 features Stephanie, Director of 911 at Henderson County Sheriff's Office out of NC . Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Stephanie's 18 years of experience in public safety. The unprecedented challenges of Hurricane Helene in Henderson County. The difficulties faced by 911 dispatchers, including increased call volume and lack of resources. The emotional toll on public safety workers as they tried to help their community. Positive outcomes and improved camaraderie among the team post-crisis. If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 597 features Stephen, a Senior Telecommunicator with Danville Fire Department Emergency Communications. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Stephen shares his journey into public safety and how he started as a junior firefighter at the age of 16. The transition from EMS to corrections and eventually into dispatch. Importance of good training and support system for new hires in dispatch. Discussions on how public safety professions can affect personal relationships and parenting. The significance of talking about mental health and wellness in this profession. If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 596 features Chase, a 911 professional out of Ohio. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Introduction to Chase's unexpected entry into the public safety field. Challenges of being a 19-year-old working alone in a jail. Chase's transition from aspiring police officer to passionate dispatcher. The significance of having a strong support system in 911 dispatch. Reflections on how the profession impacts personal growth and emotional resilience. If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 595 features Daylan, a center manager at Brazoria County, TX. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Daylan's unique path into the 911 dispatching world and her continuous drive for growth and learning. The challenges and triumphs of her early days in dispatch, including unforgettable calls that tested her resilience. Her experiences with domestic violence calls and the importance of empathy in 911 dispatching. The intersection of career growth and personal faith, and how it has guided Daylan's journey. Sharing stories to inspire and support peers, enhancing the culture and care within the dispatch community. If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

Ep 594 features AK Dozanti, a First Responder Wellness Specialist, Speaker, Coach, and Author. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – AK's transition from law enforcement to becoming a wellness specialist. The critical moments in law enforcement that shaped her journey. The importance of mental health resources and recognizing burnout. AK's current work in coaching, speaking, and spreading awareness about wellness. Her debut book, "Beat the Burnout," and its impact on frontline 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.