Within the Trenches

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)
  • Getting closure from calls taken over 9-1-1
  • Why 9-1-1 is put off to the side when it comes to the chain of 9-1-1 Services
Direct download: WithintheTrenchesEP35.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:22pm EDT

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
Direct download: WithintheTrenchesEP34.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:54pm EDT

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

Direct download: WithintheTrenchesEP33.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:20pm EDT

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 public safety through uniform training, standardized protocols, defined measurable outcomes, and technological advances to the 9-1-1 system.” It goes on to say that its vision is, “to be the emotional driving force for changes in the 9-1-1 system in order to minimize human error.”

Denise’s story is highlighted on this episode through the audio of a video Nathan played during the session. We also stress the importance of standards in 9-1-1 training as well as some problems with standardizing training throughout the country. This is a very important episode, one that we can all learn from. As always you can email the show at thejcast@thejabberlog.com and to learn more about the Denise Amber Lee Foundation please follow the links below.

Denise Amber Lee Foundation – Web | Facebook | Twitter

APCO Standards | Web

Episode topics –

  • The story of Denise Amber Lee
  • The mission of the foundation
  • The importance of 9-1-1 standards
  • Some problems with moving forward with standards
Direct download: WithintheTrenchesEP32.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:39pm EDT

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
Direct download: WithintheTrenchesEP31.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:49am EDT

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 TERT was utilized
  • How to get involved
Direct download: WithintheTrenchesEP30.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:33pm EDT

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
Direct download: WithintheTrenchesEP29.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:53am EDT

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
Direct download: WithintheTrenchesEP28.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:28am EDT

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
Direct download: WithintheTrenchesEP27.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:04am EDT

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 9-1-1 was before recent technology
  • A look at text to 9-1-1 and the progress
Direct download: WithintheTrenchesEP26.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:12am EDT

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 –

Spot interview w/Kristina of Bartlett PD in Tennessee

Spot interview w/Rob of Queensland Police Service out of Australia

Tour of THOR Shield with Monica of Intrado

 
Direct download: WithintheTrenchesEP25.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:05am EDT

Direct download: WithintheTrenchesEP24.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:27pm EDT

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