Within the Trenches

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. Years later, she finally had the opportunity to speak with the woman whose voice she had never forgotten.
What the caller told her brought the story full circle. This story comes from Christina's conversation on Within the Trenches Episode 673, where she shares her journey in 911, training the next generation of dispatchers, peer support, and the calls that stay with us.
Within the Trenches - True stories from the 911 dispatchers who live them is a podcast based on the experience of being a 911 professional. Each episode will take you on a roller coaster of emotions.
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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 county versus city dispatch centers

How serious calls and daily chaos impact mental health and the value of wellness practices

Mentoring, tough calls, and the importance of peer support in the dispatch community

Christina's powerful personal stories, including handling a life-changing fire emergency and family health struggles, and what she's learned along the way

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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 bonding, mental health challenges, and support systems on the job

Coping strategies and advice for new dispatchers entering the field

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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 dispatcher to supervisor and her strategies for building a positive team culture

Mental health struggles, the importance of self-care, and the impact of therapy on career sustainability

Changes in training new dispatchers and the shift toward a more supportive, inclusive atmosphere

Real-life critical incidents, including officer-involved shootings, and their lasting effect on perspective and practice

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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 long-term effects experienced by first responders

How 9/11 led to critical changes in technology and emergency communications

Lessons on resilience, community response, and the ongoing importance of sharing these stories

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.