Let's Talk Dispatch

From the creator of Let’s Talk Dispatch comes First Call Ready — the podcast empowering 911 professionals to shape the future of emergency communications. Hosts Ashley Valenzuela and Megan Wilske take on the challenges, culture, and conversations driving 911 dispatchers forward. Because the next generation isn’t waiting for change — we’re creating it.Follow on Spotify Follow on Apple PodcastFollow on Youtube

In this episode of Let’s Talk Dispatch, we sit down with Heather Williams, a licensed psychologist and founder of Premier First Responder Psychological Services. With over 25 years of experience working in law enforcement and public safety, Heather has dedicated her life to improving the mental health and wellness of first responders. From building peer support programs to providing critical incident response and wellness training, Heather shares her insights on how to create a culture of resilience within public safety. Whether you’re a dispatcher, officer, or leader in public safety, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on navigating stress, trauma, and recovery.Connect with Heather here :IG: heather_premier1stresponderwebsite: premier1stresponder.com

In this episode of Let’s Talk Dispatch, I’m joined by AK Dozanti, a former deputy sheriff turned First Responder Burnout Specialist and founder of Life Saver Wellness. AK shares her journey from law enforcement to burnout prevention, offering actionable insights on recognizing, preventing, and recovering from burnout in emergency services. With her relatable approach and deep understanding of the challenges first responders face, this episode is packed with practical advice for anyone in the field.Instagram: akdozantiFacebook: Life Saver Academy with AK DozantiTiktok: akdozantiLinkedIn: AK Dozanti, MAOh and did we mention AK has a new book! Check out Beat the Burnout Here

In this episode of Let’s Talk Dispatch, I’m joined by Brandi Powell, Executive Director and Founder of The 911 Chaplain Initiative Inc. With 15 years of experience as a dispatcher and trainer, Brandi shares her journey, the inspiration behind her nonprofit, and her mission to provide emotional and spiritual support to telecommunicators.We discuss the challenges of fundraising, the critical role of well-being in the 911 profession, and how both individuals and organizations can make a meaningful impact.Connect with Brandi:Instagram & TikTok: @the911chaplainWebsite: goldlinechaplains.org

In this episode of Let’s Talk Dispatch, I sit down with Will Young, a dedicated public safety telecommunicator and passionate advocate for neurodiversity in emergency communications. Will shares his journey into public safety, his involvement with APCO and NENA, and his mission to create more inclusive emergency communication centers (ECCs).We explore how embracing neurodiversity can help address the staffing crisis, provide better support for team members, and ensure our centers reflect the diverse communities we serve. Whether you're in leadership or on the frontline, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to foster inclusivity in your center.Connect with Will:📌 Instagram: @10_4_Baldy📌 LinkedIn: Will Young

In this episode of Let's Talk Dispatch I am joined by T’airra Whitis a seasoned communications center manager and doctoral researcher exploring how supportive leadership can transform dispatch centers.We discuss the vital need for empathy in leadership, the impact of offering training and development opportunities, and how connecting more deeply with staff can improve morale and retention.Tune in to hear practical insights from T’airra on fostering a healthier, more supportive work environment in emergency services.You can connect with T'airra onLinkedin

In this episode ofLet’s Talk Dispatch, we sit down with Katie Farber, a Public Safety Dispatcher II at Ventura County Fire Dispatch.Katie shares her journey in dispatch, her experience leading the Peer Support Team, and her unique partnership with Hudson, a certified therapy dog. Together, they provide comfort during critical incidents and large-scale emergencies like wildfires.Katie also discusses the challenges and successes in bridging the gap between dispatch and field responders, highlighting how collaboration is key in emergency services.Whether you’re in dispatch or the field, this conversation offers insights into building stronger, more connected teams.Connect with Kate and Hudson on Instagram @ventura.k9.hudson

In this episode of Let's Talk Dispatch, we’re joined by Stephen Sutton, a Senior Telecommunicator with over 30 years in public safety. Stephen shares his journey through EMS, Corrections, and 911, shedding light on how these experiences shape his approach to leadership and managing change. We explore the constant evolution of 911 centers—from staffing challenges to the impact of AI—and discuss strategies for navigating these transitions effectively. Don’t miss this insightful conversation about adapting to change and fostering resilience in emergency communications. Connect with Stephen on Linkedin

Today's episode marks our first Minisode of 2025! These stand-alone episodes will keep you updated on all things happening at The Raspy Dispatcher, highlight dispatch-related news you won't want to miss, and so much more. Be sure to hit that subscribe button so you never miss an update! Interested in joining our Dispatch Dialogues? Sign up through this link here.

In this episode of Let's Talk Dispatch, Maria Henry, a CAD System Administrator with 26 years of experience as a 911 dispatcher, joins us to discuss mental health and the evolving career paths for dispatchers. A living organ donor and current doctoral candidate in Information Technology, Maria reflects on the incredible support of her 911 community during a personal milestone and shares her vision for the future of public safety communications. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, growth, and innovation in the dispatch world. Connect with Maria on Linkedin

In this episode of Let's Talk Dispatch, Reggie Parker joins us to shed light on the often-overlooked role of dispatchers in crisis situations. As a Behavioral Health Coordinator and crisis negotiation leader, Reggie has dedicated his career to empowering dispatchers with emotional resilience and de-escalation skills. Together, we discuss the importance of recognizing dispatchers as first responders, their role in debriefings, and how they can better support both callers and themselves in high-pressure situations. Things to Consider: What self-care practices can I implement to support my mental health and prevent burnout in this high-stress profession? Am I taking advantage of debriefings and peer support to process and manage the emotional impact of my calls? How can I develop emotional resilience to better handle high-pressure calls and maintain my well-being?

In this episode of Let's Talk Dispatch, we’re joined by Jason Barto, a dedicated Peer Supporter and founder of The Paths of the Warriors. With a rich background in emergency services, Jason has served as a Ski Patroller, Firefighter, HAZMAT Specialist, and a member of Utah Task Force One. He shares his journey through some of his most critical incidents and how personal traumas have shaped his commitment to supporting First Responders.Jason sheds light on the challenges many First Responders ...

In this episode of Let's Talk Dispatch, we chat with a newly promoted Fire Communications Supervisor who has been dispatching for five years. Josh Miller shares their journey from Fire Explorer to Reserve Firefighter, discuss the challenges of burnout, and explain how humor and creativity have helped them stay grounded in high-stress situations. Discover how their viral Dispatch It videos and CalAPCO presentation inspire others to handle the weight of the job with laughter and humanity....

In this episode, we’re joined by Jason Barbour, a 911 industry leader with over 30 years of experience, and Dave Warner, a retired law enforcement professional with 15 years at Priority Dispatch. Together, they tackle the growing challenge of police shortages, sharing how Priority Dispatch’s Police Priority Dispatch System (PPDS) and ProQA interface are helping agencies streamline call handling, integrate alternate responses, and reduce the burden on officers.Priority Dispatch Corporation is ...

Introducing the first installment of Voices from the Communication Center—a powerful segment spotlighting the real stories, advice, and daily realities of 911 dispatchers who serve as the lifeline in your community. In this episode, we visit Aurora 911 in Aurora, CO; Pleasanton Police Department in Pleasanton, CA; Lincoln Police Department in Lincoln, NE; and San Jose Police Department in CA. While this video showcases some of the incredible heroes we spoke with, it doesn’t feature ...

Have a story to share? The Let's Talk Dispatch Podcast is all about amplifying the voices of dispatchers and emergency services professionals! You can:✅ Sign up to be a guest and share your journey, insights, and lessons learned in this incredible field.✅ Submit your story to be featured on a Let's Talk Dispatch minisode – whether it's a funny call, a heartfelt moment, or a unique experience from the comm center, we want to hear it!Both options can be found at out website theraspydispatc...

In this episode, I’m joined by Danny McAtee, the Director of Peer Support for Runestone Ranch, Danny is a seasoned EMS professional with over 20 years of experience in emergency services. We discuss the critical importance of mental health support for first responders, and how peer support can bridge the gap between fieldwork and mental health resilience. Danny shares his insight into the behind-the-scenes pressures of emergency response and what needs to change to better support those ...

In today’s episode, we’re joined by a Fire/EMS Manager Matt Glogolich. With almost 14 years of dedication to Public Safety Communications, Matt has climbed the ranks from an entry-level dispatcher to a leadership position, overseeing Fire and EMS operations. They'll share stories from the field, discuss the challenges and triumphs of their journey, and offer insights into what it takes to thrive in this high-stakes career.Whether you're an aspiring dispatcher, a seasoned professional, or...

In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Snead, Program Coordinator and Lead Instructor at the Houston Community College 911 Dispatch Academy. With nearly a decade of hands-on dispatch experience, Jessica has worked across all emergency service disciplines, rising to a supervisory role and now actively training the next generation of dispatchers. Jessica shares her passion for elevating pre-agency training to better equip dispatchers before they step into their roles. She believes that forma...

In this episode, I’m joined by Jeremy, a dedicated firefighter and the leader of Beyond the Badge Paranormal. With 18 years of experience in emergency services, Jeremy shares his personal journey through mental health challenges and his passion for raising awareness on these critical issues. As a paranormal investigator, Jeremy also brings some chilling stories from his ghost-hunting adventures. Together, we explore the intersection of first responders’ mental health and the supernatural. You...

In this special episode of The Let’s Talk Dispatch Podcast, we're shaking things up with a conversation that goes both ways! I’m joined by students from Seneca College’s 911 & Emergency Services Communications Program, where they’re diving into an APCO-accredited course on Communication and Center Technology. These future dispatchers have just as many questions for me as I do for them. Tune in to hear how Canada is shaping the next generation of dispatchers, and how The Ras...

In this episode of Let's Talk Dispatch, we welcome Matthew King, a seasoned 911 professional with over 19 years of experience. From his beginnings as an Orlando fire dispatcher to his rise to management in just 12 years, Matthew has seen it all—both the highs and the challenges of transitioning from frontline dispatcher to leadership. Tune in as we dive deep into the lessons he’s learned along the way, emphasizing the importance of supervisors staying human, fostering trust, and emb...

In this episode of Let’s Talk Dispatch, we’re thrilled to welcome back Jenn Marshall for her second appearance! Jenn is a traveling dispatcher who represents getResQ911, a company founded by Diane Carroll, dedicated to serving 911 agencies and workers. GetResQ911 was born out of a deep passion for the industry. Diane, who spent 22 years in dispatch herself, understands the challenges on both sides—from the dispatcher’s need for family and downtime to the agency’s mission and citizen expe...

On this Episode of Let’s Talk Dispatch we are joined by Regina Milkovich and Cynthia Hudson, seasoned dispatch supervisors at the Goodyear Police Department in Arizona. With a combined 45+ years of experience, these two share a deep passion for improving morale in dispatch centers. In this episode, they discuss the importance of taking baby steps to create a positive work environment, the value of finding a work BFF, and how mentorship can transform a team.Get to know their unique journey, th...

Our guest today on the Let's Talk Dispatch Podcast brings over 26 years of experience in public safety and emergency management. Having worked as a dispatcher, trainer, and manager, Wendy recently transitioned to the private sector, and today she’s sharing her wealth of knowledge on what it takes to hire, train, and support successful dispatchers.We’ll explore the key job skills new dispatchers need to thrive, strategies to prevent burnout in their critical first year, and Wendy’s unique pers...

In this episode of Let's Talk Dispatch, we're joined by Jennifer Boht, a seasoned dispatcher with over nine years of experience in the field. Jennifer's passion for dispatching goes beyond just answering calls—she's committed to shedding light on the critical staffing issues that affect dispatchers and departments alike. Tune in as we dive into the real-world challenges of understaffing, its impact on mental health, and how it shapes the day-to-day experiences of those behind the console. Whe...

Todays episode of Let's Talk Dispatch is a special recording with the Five Oooh Podcast. Host Haley Mirabelli is a dedicated active-duty police officer with a master’s degree in Public Safety Administration. A powerful female voice in the law enforcement community, Haley founded the Never Forgotten Clothing Company, which initially started as a clothing brand for first responders but has since grown into a thriving community. This platform allows first responders to share their stories, ...

Today, we are thrilled to have Maribel, the 9-1-1 Public Education Coordinator for the RGV911 District, as our guest. Maribel plays a crucial role in public safety by organizing training sessions, monitoring progress at dispatch centers. She is also the mastermind behind the impactful Teach 911 program, which educates students on the proper use of 911 services.In our conversation, we'll delve into Maribel's journey into public safety, her experiences and challenges in the field, and her daily...

On todays episode we are joined by Nik, the Chief Strategy Officer of PeerConnect App, an innovative platform designed to support mental health and peer connections. Nik brings a unique perspective to our conversation, not only through his professional role but also through his personal connection to emergency services—his wife is a dispatcher for the Canadian Mental Health Association, with previous experience in police and EMS dispatch.Referred by Cait Lavoie, PeerConnect's Marketing Coordi...

Today we are joined by two retired police officers with over a decade of experience in the First Responder field. They are the driving forces behind Runestone Ranch, an organization recently awarded its 501(c)(3) status, dedicated to mental health outreach for first responders.Brian and Anthony have experienced trauma on the job and know firsthand the importance of peer support and mental health resources. They are here to share their personal stories and the critical mission of Runestone Ran...

My guest today is a Fire Captain and Paramedic with over 14 years of experience as a firefighter and 12 years as a paramedic. Josh is also a meditation instructor who is passionate about promoting the importance of mindfulness meditation for first responders.Josh recently faced a major injury on the job, which, while challenging, gave him the time and opportunity to bring a long-held idea to life. He founded Foundation Fortified, an initiative aimed at supporting first responders through mind...

This episode highlights a new segment from our YouTube channel, Voices from the Communication Center. During this segment, we bring you an inside look at the real stories, advice, and day-to-day realities of the unsung heroes who answer emergency calls in our community daily. Join us as we sit down with three dedicated dispatchers from the San Jose Police Department.Subscribe to The Raspy Dispatcher on YouTube for more episodes featuring incredible dispatchers from around the country, s...

You know her name or face if you’ve been anywhere on the dispatch conference or training circuit. Halcyon Frank is back for this episode of "Let's Talk Dispatch" to tell you about her new venture, Under the Headset with Halcyon. Join us as we dive into her exciting adventure of launching a training and consulting business, discover some amazing new training tools she’s created for dispatch, and so much more. Whether you're a seasoned dispatcher or new to the field, you won't want to...

Join us on this episode of 'Let's Talk Dispatch' as we dive into the future of 9-1-1 centers with a special guest, a private sector startup founder Max Keenan of Aurelian who specializes in building software to automate non-emergency calls for Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs). Despite never having been a dispatcher themselves, our guest brings a unique perspective on how technology can transform the operations of 9-1-1 centers.We'll explore the evolution of 9-1-1 centers from merely han...

Our guest today, Liz, brings over 7 years of experience in the world of 911 dispatching. She is committed to fostering healthy work environments in communication centers through clear communication and team building. Liz offers a fresh perspective on improving our centers and enhancing our operations.Make Sure to Visit our Partners Prepared at Prepard911.comand Xybix Media xybix.com/mediaThank you for listening to Let's Talk Dispatch! Don't forget to subscribe and leave a ...

In this episode, we dive into the incredible journey of Robin Barton, a seasoned professional who has dedicated over a decade to public safety roles, including Communications Officer, Communications Training Officer, Communications Supervisor, Tactical Dispatcher, and Hostage/Crisis Negotiator. Robin's extensive experience in managing crises and maintaining composure under pressure has uniquely positioned her to understand the critical gaps in training for veteran dispatchers. Driven by a pas...

Remembering Officer Tara O'SullivanYou never want to lose an officer; it's honestly the worst-case scenario. Early in my career, we lost one of our own. It was one of the hardest days I've ever experienced and a stark reality of this job that every 911 dispatcher has to understand. This week’s episode falls on the anniversary of Officer Tara O'Sullivan's passing, and I felt compelled to remember her.Tara served with bravery, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to her community. Her sacri...

Join us for an insightful chat with Dr. Rita Brock, Senior vice president for moral injury programs at Volunteers of America. Dr. Brock's Resilience Strength Training (ReST) Program has been a game-changer for veterans, and now it's extending its reach to support our first responders.In this episode, we dive into the world of moral distress and why our frontline heroes need to prioritize their mental well-being. Dr. Brock shares her journey in developing the ReST program and its remarka...

In this episode, we are joined by a seasoned Consultant and Trainer with 15 years of experience as a dispatcher, trainer, and system administrator in emergency services.We dive into the critical topic of Holistic Wellness and explore the need for designated Chaplains in dispatch. Our guest shares their invaluable insights and experiences, shedding light on the importance of comprehensive support for dispatchers. Tune in to discover more about how these elements can enhance the well-...

Let’s Talk Dispatch celebrated its 100th episode with a live stream packed with surprise guests and giveaways! If you joined us live, thank you! If you missed it, here's an edited version of our live-streamed episode. A huge shoutout to my incredible guests: Dominique Mathis from Hello911 LLC, Cassie Sexton from Mindbase, and Ryan Dedmon from the 911 Training Institute. Thank you all for your love and support—we couldn’t have made it to episode 100 without you!Hello 911 LLChttps://www.hello-9...

Change is hard for anyone, but especially for 911 dispatchers. In this episode, we delve into the challenges of change and much more with Tyrone Kelsey, a subject matter expert in implicit bias, racial diversity, and inclusion. Tyrone creates and delivers innovative curriculums on these topics and serves as 911 Training Institute lead consultant, helping agencies optimize team performance, relationships, and morale. Tune in to gain insights from his extensive experience and expertise.Make Sur...

Is there an echo in here? Oh no, that's just my guests, Kacey and Anna, hosts of the 911 Delta - Tethered 4 Life Podcast, joining me for a joint episode. Tune in while we discuss each other's journeys and learn more about their podcast.Make sure to give them a follow on Instagram @911deltatethered4lifeAnd tune in to their awesome podcast on Apple and Spotify or wherever you listen to podcast. Make Sure to Visit our Partners Prepared at Prepard911.comand Xybix Media xybix.com/me...

We sit down with Rachel Murdock, a former FBI forensic interviewer turned founder of Beyond the Storm, a company dedicated to guiding trauma survivors and first responders through their healing journey.Rachel's career has been nothing short of remarkable. With years of experience at the FBI, she honed her skills as a forensic interviewer, delving into the depths of human experience to uncover truths and provide support to those in need. Now, she's taken her expertise to new heights by foundin...

Today on Let's Talk Dispatch the raspy dispatcher meets the Healthy Dispatcher's own Kris Inman! Kris brings over 28 years of experience to the table and has moved on from their role in dispatch to the director of Program Development at The Healthy Dispatcher. Join us as we talk about their journey in dispatch, how important taking care of ourselves in this demanding line or work is, as well as some tools to add to your tool belt. To learn more about the healthy dispatch make sure ...

In this episode of Let's Talk Dispatch, we're joined by Sondra Wesley who works with our partners at Prepared. With over 30 years of invaluable experience in public safety, Sondra shares her remarkable journey and insights gained along the way. Together, we delve into the cutting-edge technology that Prepared is bringing to our communication centers, revolutionizing the way we handle emergencies. Make Sure to Visit our Partners Prepared at Prepard911.comand Xybix Media xybix.co...

In today's episode, we have a fascinating conversation with Jennifer Marshall, who brings over 12 years of experience in dispatching across various emergency services—police, fire, and medical. But what sets Jennifer apart is her recent transition into a unique realm of dispatching: traveling dispatching. Join us as Jennifer shares her journey, shedding light on the lesser-known aspects of this dynamic field. From the highs to the lows, Jennifer opens up about the realities of travel dis...

In this episode of Let's Talk Dispatch we're bringing you a special 2-for-1 deal courtesy of NENA, the 911 association! Join us as we sit down with Katie, EPRC PSAP Program Manager, and Stacy, EPRC Commercial Program Manager, who together boast over 40 years of experience in PSAPs. They're here to share insights from their journey and introduce an exciting new service created by NENA, designed to empower everyday dispatchers. And trust us, it's a game-changer—I can vouch for it firsthand! Tun...

In this episode of Let's Talk Dispatch, our guest brings a wealth of experience to the table. With 23 years in dispatching and currently serving as a shift supervisor, they've seen it all. But what sets them apart is their 31 years of public safety experience, starting as a volunteer firefighter at just 16. Join us as we dive into their journey, from the early days on the front lines to the crucial role of dispatch operations. Tune in for valuable insights and lessons learned from a lifetime ...

Join us on Let's Talk Dispatch as we chat with Jeremie, a seasoned public safety leader with over 32 years of experience. From their role as a registered Public Safety Leader (RPL) to nearly two decades of instructing with APCO as an instructor, Jeremie's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Tune in as we explore Jeremie's remarkable career highlights and glean insights from their wealth of experience in emergency response.Make Sure to Visit our Partners Prepared at Prepard911.comand&n...

In the latest installment of Let's Talk Dispatch, I have the pleasure of conversing with Robbie McCormick, Deputy Director of Administration, whose illustrious career spans over 15 years of dedicated service. With extensive experience in various settings, ranging from large agencies to small, rural communities and bustling metropolises, Robbie brings a wealth of wisdom and insight to the table. Join us as we delve into their invaluable expertise and glean insights into their refined approach ...