Within The Trenches

Within the Trenches is back with episode 32! This episode was recorded at the National NENA Conference and Expo at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. In this episode I had the pleasure of speaking with Nathan, President/Founder of the Denise Amber Lee Foundation, April, the Michigan NENA President, and Brian with DU-COMM out of DuPage County Illinois. Now, out of all the sessions that were given at this conference I wanted more than anything to attend this one. The session was about 9-1-1 training standards and although it might not sound appealing it highlighted a very important story. The story of Denise Amber Lee is one that everyone should know and learn from. It is because of her story and others that 9-1-1 standards are needed. Nathan is the President and founder of the foundation that is named after his wife and his mission is to see that standards are developed and put into place. According to the foundations official website, it is the mission, “to promote and support publi

Within the Trenches is back with episode 31! This episode was recorded at the National NENA Conference and Expo at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. In this episode I had the pleasure of speaking with Elise, the Executive Director of 9-1-1 for Kids. The history of the organization is revealed as well as the main purpose, which is to help reduce 9-1-1 misuse. This was an excellent episode and as you will hear in the beginning and the end of the show the music is different. This was done in honor of 9-1-1 for Kids and more information on the song can be found on their website by following the links below. This episode is packed with information and as always you can email the show at thejcast@thejabberlog.com. 9-1-1 For Kids – Web | Facebook | Twitter   Episode topics – The main goal of 9-1-1 for Kids The importance of public education Awards given for 9-1-1 heroes 9-1-1 stories involving child heroes

Within the Trenches is back with episode 30! This episode was recorded at the National NENA Conference and Expo at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. In this episode I had the pleasure of speaking with Natalie, who is retired out of Miami Dade Fire Rescue after 36 years and Sherry, who is with the North Central Texas Counsel of Governments 9-1-1 Program. In this episode we talk about TERT (Telecommunicator Emergency Response Taskforce) and who 9-1-1 calls when they need help. This episode is especially informative and interesting because I did not know a lot about TERT or what they did. We also chat about major disasters, the benefits of TERT and how to get involved and help your fellow 9-1-1 professionals. For more information on TERT please follow the links below. As always you can email the show at thejcast@thejabberlog.com. TERT – Web | Facebook Episode topics – The meaning of TERT (Telecommunicator Emergency Response Taskforce) What does TERT do? Recent major disasters where T

Within the Trenches is back with episode 29! This episode was recorded at the National NENA Conference and Expo at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. In this episode I had the pleasure of speaking with Kristina and Shelley of Bartlett PD in Tennessee and Rob of Queensland Police Service located in Brisbane, Australia. In this episode we share first time calls, the importance of knowing your location and the stress that comes with working in the 9-1-1 profession. All of the episodes I recorded while I was here were great but I made a personal bond with this group throughout my stay in North Carolina so it made this episode special. You will also have a lot to take away from this because of the amount of great information on here. As always you can email the show at thejcast@thejabberlog.com. Episode topics – How Kristina got into 9-1-1 How Shelley got into 9-1-1 How we as dispatcher’s play the “woulda shoulda game” on calls Advice for the public when calling 9-1-1

Within the Trenches is back with episode 28! This episode was recorded at the National NENA Conference and Expo at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. In this episode I had the pleasure of speaking with MaryJo of Brooklyn PD and Kelly of Cleveland PD and both are out of Ohio. We shared some laughs as well as some serious stories. Both had great advice for those thinking of getting into the profession. The episode is packed with interesting information and is a must listen episode. As always you can email the show at thejcast@thejabberlog.com. Episode topics – How MaryJo got into 9-1-1 How Kelly got into 9-1-1 Taking 9-1-1 calls that include children Advice for those looking to get into the profession

Within the Trenches is back with episode 27! This episode was recorded at the National NENA Conference and Expo at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. In this episode I had the pleasure of speaking with Kevin of 9-1-1 Cares/PSTC. We shared stories from the trenches and how Kevin went from working for “AAA” to a 9-1-1 dispatch center. He also went into the history of 9-1-1 cares and how the organization does everything they can to support those behind the mic. This is a must listen episode and to learn more about the organization please follow the links below. As always you can email the show at thejcast@thejabberlog.com.     9-1-1 Cares | Web | Facebook PSTC | Web | Facebook   Episode topics – History of 9-1-1 Cares How Kevin fell into dispatching Haunting 9-1-1 calls Text to 9-1-1

Good morning folks! Within the Trenches is back for episode 26! I had the pleasure of sitting down and speaking with Roger of Cullman County 9-1-1 out of Alabama and Craig who is retired out of Guilford Metro 9-1-1 in North Carolina. This episode is a must listen as both Roger and Craig go through their history with 9-1-1 and how it pulled them in. Craig had emergency services in his blood, so to speak, since his father and uncle’s helped form several volunteer fire departments. Roger on the other hand was first part of the defense industry. Once he retired from there he moved into emergency services and became a 9-1-1 director after long admiring the profession. This episode is a must listen. The history and look back at how 9-1-1 was before more recent technology is very interesting. As always you can email the show at thejcast@thejabberlog.com for comments, concerns suggestions or if you would like to be on the show. Episode topics – How Craig got into 9-1-1 How Roger got into 9-1-1 A look back at how 9-1

Good morning everyone! I’m back with another awesome episode of Within the Trenches. In this episode I tried something different from the norm. At the suggestion of two awesome 9-1-1 pro’s, Kristina and Shelley, I grabbed my digital audio recorder and walked the expo hall for spot interviews. I have to admit that it was a lot of fun and I was able to get some good audio. Probably one of the most interesting parts of this episode dealt with THOR Shield that is made by Intrado. Monica, who works with the company, walked me through this massive mobile PSAP (Public-Safety Answering Point.) The trailer of this unit sits 17 dispatchers and has its own conference room on the second floor. I wanted to get some photos but was unable to. I was told that I can get some shots emailed to me and as soon as I get those I will post them up for all to see. I hope you enjoy this episode and as always you can email the show at thejcast@thejabberlog.com. For more information on Intrado’s THOR Shield click here. Episode topics –

Hello everyone! Within the Trenches is back with episode 23 and this is a must listen. In this episode I went live on Spreaker and all went well until I forgot that the screen door was locked and my wife was trying to get inside but couldn’t. I had to go off the air for a short moment but everything came out great either way. This episode also included some highlights of the NENA conference last week in Lansing and the announcement of our involvement in the National NENA conference that will be held at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. We will have the privilege of podcasting along side Mark Fletcher and the Avaya Podcast Network. It’s going to be a great experience. With that said we are looking for sponsors. There is a large portion of the trip that is already paid but we need a little more for travel and hotel and in all honesty I am prepared to live out of my car for the entire week but if anyone would like to sponsor or donate to the show it would be appreciated. Right now w

Good evening everyone and welcome to episode 22 of Within the Trenches. This is the last episode of the NENA conference series that were recorded in Lansing, Michigan at the Lexington Hotel. The entire week was great and I definitely learned a lot. I also gave my own presentation on how I got into the 9-1-1 profession and how I created Within the Trenches. Despite my nerves I was able to give an excellent presentation and I am looking forward to the next time I speak at a conference. In this episode I was joined by my co-host Whitney. We had the pleasure of interviewing Sarah, Dispatch Operations Coordinator with Washtenaw County, Jennifer, a supervisor with Ottawa County Central Dispatch Authority and Bob, who is the NENA Regional Director with Intrado. In the beginning of this episode Bob told us that this is the 27th year that Michigan has had this conference. This is something I never knew and it was interesting to listen to him give the history of this conference and how important it is. We also touched

Good afternoon everyone! I am back again with another great episode from this weeks NENA conference in Lansing, Michigan. In this episode Mike of St. Joseph County Fire Dispatch in South Bend, Indiana, joined me along with Ron, Executive Director of Kent County Dispatch Authority and Nancy, Dispatch Operations Manager of St. Joseph County in Indiana. Episode 21 is jammed packed with useful information and a must listen. We touch on several dispatch stories as well as a mention of the Denise Amber Lee Foundation that Ron is a part of. One of the major points in this episode is a standardization of training for 9-1-1 professionals. For more information on the Denise Amber Lee Foundation please see the link below. As always you can email the show at thejcast@thejabberlog.com. Denise Amber Lee Foundation | Web | Facebook Episode topics – How each guest was introduced to emergency services 9-1-1 standards How 9-1-1 is seen as a profession 9-1-1 stories Odd names such as “Cop Shop”, “Actin’ a Fool” and “Done Fell

Good morning and happy Friday! This has been an amazing week for me. I had the chance to attend the 2013 NENA conference in Lansing, Michigan for 9-1-1 professionals. I attended some excellent classes and met some great people doing great things. In this episode I had the pleasure of speaking with Dee Ann, assistant director of Tuscola county 9-1-1, an ENP and one of the founding board members of the 911 Wellness Foundation. Also sitting with us for this episode was Jim Marshall with the 911 Wellness Foundation and also the director of the 911 Training Institute. This is an episode that you do not want to miss. The information in this episode is important for everyone and Jim even gets me with a Jedi Mind Trick by getting me to admit a few things. It definitely felt good to admit those items so thank you Jim and Dee Ann for helping me and those in our field. For more information on the 911 Wellness Foundation or the 911 Training Institute please follow the links below. Also if you would like to get a hold of

Good afternoon everyone! I hope you are having an excellent day. I am currently in Lansing, Michigan for the 2013 NENA conference. This episode is the first of a series that will be recorded here. I have been attending classes, meeting new people and for this episode I had the pleasure of speaking to Dee Ann, the assistant director of Tuscola County Central Dispatch. We had an excellent conversation and this is one that you can't afford to miss! As always you can email the show at thejcast@thejabberlog.com and make sure to 'Like' us on Facebook! Episode topics - How Dee Ann got into dispatch 9-1-1 calls that have stuck with her What an ENP is

Hello everyone! Whitney and I are back with an epic episode 18 of Within the Trenches. It has been about a month or so since Whit and I were together for an episode but we are back to hook you up with another excellent show. This week both Whitney and I have been battling some health issues but my minor cold and Whit's ear were unable to hold us back. On this episode we had the pleasure of interviewing none other than the very popular KMK of Diary of a Mad Dispatcher. KMK shared some awesome stories from her dispatch career including her very first 9-1-1 call and another call from a drunk who called in saying that he had fallen off a cliff but what he didn't realize was that there are no cliffs in the area he was in. Get ready to hear from the Mad Dispatcher herself and make sure to check her out on Facebook and her t-shirt store on etsy.com by searching "The Mad Dispatcher." As always you can email the show at thejcast@thejabberlog.com and 'Like' our new Facebook page! In this episode I said it was just Wit

Hello everyone, I am back this week for episode 17 of Within the Trenches. This is the last of a series of episodes that were recorded at the Mini-C conference in Boca Raton Florida. In this episode I sat down with four of Palm Beach State College 9-1-1 Dispatch Academy's finest. The conversation I had with Lisa, Myrnett, Wayne and Kimberly was excellent and refreshing. Their insight and experience going through the academy brought me back to when I first started. My beginning wasn't as elaborate but it definitely brought me back. Thank you very much for sitting with me and sharing your experience. I have dubbed you the Fearless Four. Good luck on your finals and I know you will do great things. I want to thank Tom of the Cool Kids of 9-1-1 for inviting Within the Trenches to be part of this and everyone involved in the Mini-C conference and those who were guests on the show. On behalf of Whitney and I, we appreciate it more than you know. If you would like to know more about the Palm Beach State College 9-1

Good evening folks! I am back again with a new episode of Within the Trenches. This episode is a continuation of the series of episodes that I recorded this past week at the Mini-C conference in Boca Raton Florida. In this episode I had the privilege of speaking with Cheryl who works with Palm Beach County 9-1-1 Management and is a part-time 9-1-1 dispatcher. Cheryl was great to talk to and she finished off the interview with an excellent message for the public. It's something that everyone needs to hear because when you make a 9-1-1 call there is specific information we need so her message is one that is very important. As always you can email the show at thejcast@thejabberlog.com and make sure to 'Like' us on Facebook!   Episode topics - How Cheryl got into dispatch How long she's been doing it Next Generation 9-1-1 Memorable call - Home invasion where callers mom was shot and the little girl on the phone was also shot w/Cheryl on the phone Message for the public

Good afternoon! This episode of Within the Trenches features Sabrina of West Palm Beach Dispatch Operations. We had an excellent conversation before recording and it was nice because we were able to get to know each other better. After only a few minutes of talking to her I felt as though we knew each other all our lives. This is a must listen episode that everyone can learn from. Make sure to check it out, share and as always, you can email the show at thejcast@thejabberlog.com.     Episode topics - How Sabrina got into dispatching The interview process Line of duty death Dispatch education/training

Good evening! Last week was rather busy with my root canal, 22 hour drive to Florida and graduation. I'm very happy to say that my family and I made it through everything with no problems, but last weeks episode had to be postponed. I'm still on vacation in Florida and just yesterday I had the privilege of attending the 4th Annual Mini-C conference in Boca Raton. I was initially invited by Tom of The Cool Kids of 9-1-1. He and I had been talking about promoting each others work and he mentioned this conference. It was promoted on Jabber Log and afterward he said it was too bad that Whitney and I couldn't be there during the conference. Well, it just so happened that I was going to be in Florida so I attended and recorded four great episodes.   This episode features Al, a 12 year volunteer with Boca Raton 9-1-1. He recently turned 95 years old and had much to say about 9-1-1. It was a great conversation! Episode topics - How Al became a volunteer The need for more 9-1-1 public education The need for more 9-1

Hello everyone! Whitney and I are back again this week with episode 13 of Within the Trenches. A few episodes back we spoke with Cheryl of Yakima, Washington and she was not only a dispatcher but she is part of her centers critical incident stress management (CISM) team. It was an interesting and informative show and since it went so well, we wanted to bring this week’s guest on to add to the topic of CISM. This week we spoke with Matt, operations manager of the communications center in Kent County. It's one of our larger areas in western Michigan and he reflected on one of his first emergencies while attending an explorers program as a teenager with a local fire department. He also touched on the importance of CISM and we spoke briefly on a call he helped us out with when we were dealing with a loss of our own. A big thanks goes out to Kent County for allowing us the opportunity to have Matt on the show and to Matt; thank you for everything you do! It's appreciated more than you know. As always you can emai