Ep 626 features Jim Schmidt, father of Gabby Petito, first responder, and secretary of the Gabby Petito Foundation. This is a special crossover episode with the Safety Gap podcast where I was a guest co-host with Karin Marquez, Chief Public Safety Brand Officer with RapidSOS.

Learn more about the Gabby Petito Foundation and find resources at https://gabbypetitofoundation.org. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call 1-800-799-SAFE or text START to 88788 for help.

Learn more about the Safety Gap podcast from RapidSOS at rapidsos.com

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Episode topics –

• Jim Schmidt’s 25-year journey in public safety, including his experience as a dispatcher, EMT, firefighter, and instructor.

• The Petito family’s decision to turn tragedy into advocacy by founding the Gabby Petito Foundation.

• Gaps in first responder and dispatcher training when it comes to recognizing subtle signs of domestic violence.

• How technology and cross-agency collaboration can improve outcomes for survivors.

• Actionable advice for both first responders and the public to identify, intervene, and support those affected by domestic violence.

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

Ep 625 features Phillip Daniels, a 911 Administrator, and Deputy Chief of Desoto Parish Sheriff's Office in Louisiana.

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Episode topics –

• How Philip transitioned from working in an alligator farm to a lasting career in public safety

• The challenges and surprises faced when moving from patrol to dispatch

• Stories of real-life trauma, resilience, and the importance of mental wellness for first responders

• The pivotal impact of dispatcher support and peer connections during difficult calls

• Insights into the ongoing battle for 911 dispatcher reclassification and recognition in public safety

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

Ep 624 features Victoria, a 911 professional out of Texas.

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Episode topics –

• Navigating the massive APCO conference and its unique vendor hall experiences, including the mobile dispatch center "Thor" and wellness puppies

• Victoria’s journey from loss prevention to 9-1-1 dispatch and her first intense calls, including a tornado emergency and a deadly accident

• The challenges and mental toll of being a new dispatcher and the expectations of perfection in the role

• Learning about ACE accreditation, protocol-based dispatching, and the importance of quality assurance

• The impact of peer support and mental health resources, how Victoria overcame trauma with EMDR therapy, and her path to becoming an academy instructor after a life-changing leadership retreat

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

Ep 623 features Mandi, a 911 professional out of Texas.

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Episode topics –

• Mandi’s journey from a small Texas town to nearly 25 years in public safety, including jumping into dispatch right out of high school

• The challenges of moving from a tiny agency to a much larger city call center

• Honest discussion about early on-the-job “training” and the growth that comes from hard calls

• Memorable and unusual calls from the field—like the elderly lady who took care of business with her shovel

• Why professional growth, stepping out of your comfort zone, and connecting with others in the industry really matter

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