911 Delta: Tethered 4 Life

In this episode of 911 Delta:Tethered4Life, we sit down with Jason Klink, a true public safety powerhouse with over 30 years in emergency services. Jason’s held roles from Fire Chief and Dispatch Supervisor to Co-Founder of SmartProtect Public Safety Solutions. Currently leading business development at Safe Cities, he’s on a mission to drive innovation in public safety technology.

Join us as Jason shares his journey from fighting f...

n this episode of Tethered4Life, we dive into the world of dispatching with Felicity, an 18-year veteran dispatcher currently covering 30 municipalities in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Felicity's journey into dispatch started in Colorado at a residential treatment facility. After moving to Texas, she embraced dispatching, finding it more fulfilling than her brief stint in law enforcement.

She shared her experiences with us, recounti...

In this episode, we dive into the ongoing staffing and retention crisis facing 911 dispatch centers. From low pay and long hours to high stress and burnout, our hosts Lorri, Kacey, and Anna share personal experiences and discuss the harsh realities of life behind the console. We also explore what can be done to improve the situation, from better training programs to fostering a supportive work culture. Tune in for an honest, and so...

In this episode of 911 Delta Tethered 4 Life, Anna and Lorri connect with Angela Graham-Houweling, a dedicated advocate for first responders and the founder of the S.I.R.E.N Project. The episode delves into the critical issue of mental health among first responders and explores how entheogenic medicine can offer a potential solution.

Houweling shares her personal journey and the inspiration behind the S.I.R.E.N Project, highlightin...

Welcome to another gripping episode of the 911 Delta Tethered4Life podcast. This week, Anna sits down with Mitch Nason, president of Prince William County's Local 2598, to discuss the intricate world of collective bargaining and how it benefits not just firefighters, but also policemen, dispatchers, and non-public safety employees. Mitch’s extensive career in public safety and his personal insights provide an enriching narrativ...

This week, Lorri and Anna talk to Ruthi all the way from Naples, Italy. Ruthi is an American who began her adult life in the US Navy stationed in Naples, but then she returned to the United States and began her dispatching career at Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. Ruthi spent 24 years in Florida as an emergency dispatcher, handling all types of 911 calls. She lets us in on the secret to being a successful dispatcher and shares t...

Anna Fox hosts a captivating conversation with Josh Grandinetti, a fire captain and founder of Foundation Fortified, discussing mindfulness for first responders. Josh shares his journey from neuroscience aspirations to firefighting, the impact of a work injury, and how it propelled him to advocate for mindfulness. They delve into the benefits of mindfulness, personal anecdotes, and practical applications for responders and their su...

This week, Lorri steps in for Kacey and we chat with an old colleague Matt about what ultimately had us all running for the hills. There's some serious talk about what REALLY stresses dispatchers out about the workplace, some funny stories, and good advice for those of you getting into emergency communications or trying to stay afloat in the trenches.

This podcast may not be suitable to all listeners due to language and subjec...

Jess, a seasoned 911 dispatcher with 16 years of experience, joins Anna and Kacey to discuss the intense realities and misconceptions of their role. Jess shares stories from the field, highlighting the importance of mental health and self-care for first responders. They critique inaccurate media portrayals, explore the emotional toll of the job, and stress the need for realistic training and better support systems. This candid conv...

Hey y'all! Join Kacey and Anna for a little fun and some BS as we recap the last 37 episodes. It's been a fun ride and we can't wait to dig deeper and get into bigger and better things! Thank you all so much for listening. We couldn't do it without our great audience. Stay tuned because we're back next week with a whole new guest!

This podcast may not be suitable to all listeners due to language and subject matt...

This week join Kacey and Anna as they talk with Robin from Crisis IQ. They explore the world of 911 dispatch and Robin shares her journey from ambulance dispatch to negotiation. Discover insights on managing stress, building resilience, and improving mental health in dispatchers. Dive into interactive classes at Crisis IQ Training to enhance call-taking skills and leadership abilities. Uncover strategies for addressing retention ch...

Deborah from Sacramento joins hosts Kacey and Anna to discuss her journey from the National Guard and LA riots to a 27-year career as a 911 dispatcher. The conversation delves into dealing with PTS, the importance of mental health in public safety, and memorable calls, including wildfires and tragic incidents. Deborah shares her experiences of stress management, peer support, and the vital need for better mental health resources in...

Join Kacey and Anna on the 911 Delta Tethered for Life podcast with special guest Chip, a public safety veteran boasting over 55 years in the field. From his early EMS days to the transition into dispatching, Chip shares the evolution and challenges of the profession. Hear memorable stories, reflections on mental health, and advice for aspiring public safety professionals. This episode dives deep into the grit, humor, and resilienc...

Dan Jewis, founder of The RAK Academy, lead investigator on the Sandy Hook shooting, and staunch dispatch supporter shares crucial insights from his law enforcement career. Joined by hosts Kacey and Anna, Dan discusses the pivotal role of dispatchers in emergency responses, the necessity of structured training, his experiences during the Sandy Hook investigation, and the importance of community support. Highlighting response times ...

In this podcast episode, Kyle Goodnight from the Elevate podcast joins us to discuss the critical mental health challenges faced by first responders. They delve into the lack of closure, trauma exposure, and the necessity for improved training. The conversation touches on personal experiences, the ACE score impact, and the urgent need for mental health support in the first responder community. Tune in to gain valuable insights and ...

In this episode of the 911 Tethered for Life podcast, host Anna and Kacey interview Cooper, a former emergency dispatcher turned firefighter. Cooper shares his experiences working in two different dispatch centers, one with excellent resources and training, and the other with severe understaffing and lack of support. He discusses the traumatic calls he handled, including a suicide and a child abuse case, as well as the importance o...

Grab your headsets and get ready for a wild ride! This episode gets into the nitty gritty of on the job trauma. Michael, a military and law enforcement veteran, shares his powerful story of overcoming post-traumatic stress injury in this episode. He co-authored the best-selling book "Relentless Courage" with clinical psychologist Dr. Shauna Springer.

In this powerfully candid episode, Michael Sugrue takes us through his ...

In this invigorating collaborative podcast episode, "911 Delta tethered for Life" meets "Let's Talk Dispatch" for an insightful exchange between Anna, Kacey, and The Raspy Dispatcher, Ashley Valenzuela. From the outset, the episode touches on the realities facing 911 operators and dispatchers, blending professional anecdotes with emotional wisdom. Listeners will get a glimpse into the sheer diversity, comple...

In this episode of 911 Delta Tethered for Life, retired dispatcher Brenda Hernandez joins Kacey and Anna to share her 20-year career journey in emergency dispatch. From working in small rural agencies to the bustling city of Dubuque, Brenda discusses the challenges and rewards of the job. She also delves into the importance of mental health and finding outlets for stress relief. Brenda's story highlights the need for supportive...