Within The Trenches

Good afternoon folks! I’m back with episode 37 of Within the Trenches. In this episode I started the “Podcast Plug Exchange.” I was approached by Brad Kirsch and I am very happy to be doing this with him and others who want to participate. The Podcast Plug Exchange is meant to help fellow podcasters spread the word on their show. So you would provide me a brief description of your show and an image to be added to the post and your information will be given out during an episode of the show. With that said it has been an interesting week! This past Monday was my last day in dispatch. It was surreal and bittersweet. Working in dispatch has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. It is something that can never be replaced. I have made such great friends and the calls we took together are ones that no one else will ever understand. I want to say thank you to everyone in the 9-1-1 community and I appreciate everything! For more information on Brad Kirsch and The Digital Entrepreneur Podcast make sure to f

Good afternoon folks! This is going to be episode 36 of Within the Trenches. This is where everything will be revealed. Normally I would specify what the highlights of the episode are but for this one I will simply say, “Listen and you will find out.” This is a very important episode! Listen, share and please comment!

Within the Trenches is back with episode 35! 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 Jennifer, Director of Loudon County 9-1-1 in Tennessee and she is also the NENA President for the Tennessee Chapter. Jennifer shared her 9-1-1 story beginning with her time as a telecommunicator to her rise up to the position of director. We also touch on how important 9-1-1 is as the main link in each call and how 9-1-1 is pushed to the back of the emergency services chain. This was the last episode that I recorded at the National NENA Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. The entire week was amazing and I came out with some new friends and fans of the show. Thank you all for everything and the participation! As always you can email the show at thejcast@thejabberlog.com. Episode topics – How Jennifer got into 9-1-1 Calls that stick with her (i.e. Officer involved shooting) Gettin

Within the Trenches is back with episode 34! 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 Tony, Deputy Executive Director of the European Emergency Number Association (EENA.) This is a very interesting episode in the sense of differences to the structure of 9-1-1 in Europe over the United States. Tony touches on some of the difficulties Europe is having with implementing new technologies and how phone calls for 112, 999 (9-1-1) are very similar to what we deal with in the states. For more information on EENA you can follow the links below. As always you can email the show at thejcast@thejabberlog.com. EENA – Web | Facebook | Twitter Episode topics – What EENA stands for Comparing 9-1-1/1-1-2 in the United States and Europe Implementing new technologies Staying ahead by looking at NG9-1-1 for when it hits Europe

Within the Trenches is back with episode 33! 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 Caryn, who is with Will County 9-1-1 out of Illinois and Robert with the Commission on State Emergency Communications out of Texas. Both represent the National Public Educators Forum or NPEF and we discussed the mission of the organization and the importance of public education. This episode holds a wealth of information and has something that everyone can learn from. For more information on NPEF you can follow the links below. As always you can email the show at thejcast@thejabberlog.com. NPEF – Web | Facebook Episode topics – What NPEF stands for The mission of NPEF The importance of public education Upcoming NPEF Events

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