Episode 27: The Voice Behind the Call: Debbie’s Story of Strength, Silence, and Survival

In this powerful episode of 8158: Stories of Sacrifice, we sit down with Debbie, a retired dispatcher who served her community for 27 years. In 2019, a tragic on-air incident changed her life forever when she heard a deputy lose his life during a call. The weight of that moment—and years of compound trauma—led to her retirement in 2021. Debbie opens up about the unseen battles dispatchers face, the toll of trauma, and why she’s using her voice to break the silence around mental health in public safety. With over 50 podcast appearances, her mission is clear: to make sure no one else suffers in silence. 💙 This episode is a must-listen for first responders, families, and anyone who wants to better understand the emotional toll behind the headset. ⸻ 🔗 Links & Resources: 💙 Support the mission: Donate to the William H. “Bill” Butler Jr. Foundation: https://www.8158podcast.com/donate 🌐 Website: https://www.8158podcast.com 🎙 Want to be a guest? Schedule an interview here: https://8158podcast.com/contact-us 📢 Join our community & get exclusive content: http://Patreon.com/8158podcast ⸻ #FirstResponderMentalHealth #RelentlessCourage #8158Podcast #BackTheBlue #YouAreNotAlone #DispatcherStrong #MentalHealthAwareness #BehindTheHeadset