Within the Trenches

Episode 675 features a solo episode update for big news on Camp Imagine Listening, wellness initiatives, and behind-the-scenes stories from recent travels.

This episode is sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

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Episode topics –

Episode 674 features Mariah, a 911 dispatcher out of the SW part of Indiana.

Episode topics –

• How childhood experiences and early influences led to a career in public safety

• Challenges and rewards of working in a small-town emergency services environment

• The realities of 911 call-taking, from life-or-death moments to routine requests

• The impact of critical incidents and the importance of mental resilience

• Detail...

A mother and her nine month old baby were trapped inside a burning apartment. On the other end of the phone was 911 dispatcher, Christina.

As the fire moved through the apartment, Christina stayed on the line giving instructions, keeping the caller focused, and trying to be the calm voice she needed in a horrific situation.

As the phone went silent, Christina could only hear fire. The call stayed with her long after her shift ended...

Episode 673 features Christina, a peer support specialist, and 911 professional at Cary PD in NC.

This episode is sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

Episode topics –

• Christina's career path from detention officer to long-time 911 dispatcher and part-time firefighter

• Differences in working at co...

Episode 672 features Chantele, an Emergency Dispatcher with Maryland State Police.

This episode is sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

Episode topics –

• Navigating the demanding hiring process and intense background checks for dispatchers

• The impact of rotating shifts and missing family milestones and holidays

• Adapting skills from retail work to emergency dispatch situations

• Trauma bon...

Episode 671 features Ashley, your friendly neighborhood 911 dispatcher out of Elkhart City, IN.

This episode is sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

Episode topics –

• The progress and challenges of ride-alongs, staffing, and cross-training in modern dispatch centers

• How Ashley transitioned from di...

Episode 670 features four powerful stories that reflect on the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

Episode topics –

• Personal accounts from dispatchers, EMTs, firefighters, and police officers on September 11th, 2001

• Behind-the-scenes realities of working in public safety during a national tragedy

• The emotional impact and...

Ep. 669 features a LIVE broadcast from the 2026 NC PSAP Manager's Conference.

Episode topics –

• Real-life stories from dispatchers and center managers about entering and growing in 911 careers

• The importance of resilience, support systems, and coping mechanisms in emergency communications

• Advancements in Next Ge...

Episode 668 features a solo episode in celebration of a Decade of Voices, the tenth anniversary of the #IAM911 movement.

Episode topics –

• The 10-year anniversary and global reach of the #IAM911 movement

• The origins and impact of sharing dispatcher stories

• Introduction of imaginelistening.com as a living archive...

Episode 667 features Jen, a Dispatch Coordinator with Cass County Sheriff's Department, MI.

Sponsored by

RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

Episode topics –

• Jen's early influences and journey into public safety dispatching

• Evolution of technology and the dispatch center, from dot matrix printers...

Episode 666 features a solo episode where we visit an archive of past 911 calls.

This episode is sponsored by RapidSOS

Episode topics –

• The origins of Within the Trenches and how the podcast was launched

• Breakdown and discussion of a disturbing family homicide 911 call

• Analyzing a deceptive 911 call where the caller is later revealed as the suspect

• The tension and fear of live home invasion calls and how dispatche...

Episode 665 features Jami, a 911 professional and peer support specialist at Lee Summit Fire, Missouri.

Sponsored by

RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

Episode topics –

• Why Jami originally planned to become a firefighter and chose to stay in dispatch

• The pivotal call that changed her career path...

Episode 664 features a discussion from round 46 of the Dispatcher's Roundtable on Zero Suicide Kits, red flags, and much more with guest, Dawn Shumway.

Episode topics –

• • Practical tips for real suicide prevention and "zero suicide proofing" your support network

  • The true look of struggle: why "happy" coworkers may actually be drowning

  • Taking imperfect action: why showing up beats waiting f...

Episode 663 features a solo episode where I revisit and celebrate the 13 year anniversary of my last day at Allegan County Central Dispatch in Michigan.

Sponsored by

RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

Episode topics –

• Ricardo recounts leaving his dispatch career after 13 years and what led to that decision

• ...

Episode 662 features Erica, a peer support specialist and CTO with Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority, MI.

Sponsored by

RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

Episode topics –

• Erica's journey from the ER to a 13-year dispatch career

• Training philosophy: building trust, sharing mistakes, ...

Episode 661 features a panel discussion from a recent Public Safety Showcase virtual event entitled, "Dispatcher Suicide: Breaking the Silence."

Sponsored by

RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

Episode topics –

• Why dispatcher suicide remains a taboo topic in public safety

• What struggle really loo...

Episode 660 features a panel discussion from a recent Public Safety Showcase virtual event covering AI Tech and mental health for 911 professionals.

Sponsored by

RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

Episode topics –

• The real impact of AI on dispatcher cognitive load and stress management

• Why welln...

Episode 659 features Donna, a 911 professional out of Texas. In this episode, we have a candid conversation on suicide in 911 dispatch.

Sponsored by

RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

Episode topics –

• The unseen trauma and emotional burdens shouldered by dispatchers

• Why dispatcher suicides remai...

Episode 658 is a solo episode where I discuss the top three things that I had to explain to friends, family, and callers about 911.

Sponsored by

RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

Episode topics –

• The truth about tracing 911 calls and caller location technology

• Why dispatchers ask so many questi...