Written by Casey A. Rives

"It wasn’t until I stepped away from dispatch that I truly realized the emotional weight I had been carrying—and how, like so many in 911, I had been helping others through trauma without ever allowing myself the space to heal from my own."

Written by Roxy VanGundy, ENP, CMCP, RPL, CPE, CCM

“People who leave 911 are still 911.”

Trigger Warning:
This piece discusses suicide, grief, and the emotional impact of leaving the 9‑1‑1 profession. Please take care of yourself while reading.

Written by Erin Allwardt, CMCP

"There’s no manual for how to grieve when you’re also the person others rely on to hold them steady."

Written by Donna Dudek

"That breakdown became a breakthrough, and I started becoming lighter."

Written by Valerie S. D’Intino ENP, RPL

"I now recognize that in those gaps, the growth during that time was simply not visible to others, not even to myself."

Written by Sara Weston, PMP, ENP

"There are zero shortcuts to accomplishing a physical goal. No one can take an accomplishment like running a mile away from you."

Written by Erin Allwardt, CMCP

“If you ever question whether or not to apply for a scholarship, know that you are worthy of expanding your knowledge."

Written by Tara Milardo

“The role of a 911 telecommunicator is far more than simply picking up the phone. As the unsung heroes of emergency response, they’re the calm voices in moments of chaos, the steady guides when everything feels uncertain.”

CPE and Me: How One Course and Dr. Steve Changed Everything (Including My Tattoo Plans)  

Written by Keely Heyman

“…I went into this with hesitation, but I came out with a new mindset, a toolbox full of skills, and a network of incredible people who feel more like family. If you’re on the fence about taking this journey, let me be the first to say—go for it. It might just change everything. Besides, If not you, then who?

And if you end up with a tattoo after meeting Dr. Steve, don’t say I didn’t warn you!”

Written by Amayrani Padilla-Cortes

“All of us were truly the golden bridge that connected our callers with the first responders.  It has truly been an honor to witness everyone giving their 1,000% during this catastrophic incident.”

Written by Candida M. Cunningham, ENP

"All I needed to know about being a Dispatch Trainer I learned from Mr. Rogers long ago. The basis: kindness, empathy and understanding. That’s exactly the support the new generation of dispatchers need to be successful."

Written by Valerie Minor, MS, originally published on June 20, 2024 - 911der Women Pulse

"The skills you developed on the call floor are highly transferable to leadership roles. It's important to acknowledge that not having all the answers is perfectly acceptable. Embracing this vulnerability can actually become a significant strength."

Written by Laurie Flaherty

“Ask any busy person, and they’ll tell you that time is their most precious commodity. No matter how much time they have, it’s not enough. I’ve been thinking about that a lot during this year’s annual season of 911 conferences. When you attend 911 conferences, how do you decide how to spend your precious time? And who do you decide to listen to?”

Written by Brandi Powell

“All I could do was send an ambulance and stay on the phone until they arrived. The crisis caller queen had been dethroned. I felt defeated. I felt discouraged. My hope and my confidence in myself were shaken.”

Written by Juliet Brown

“Becoming a 911 dispatcher has helped me find my voice, and this whole process has shown me that when I use my voice, it grants permission for those around us to use theirs. Using your voice, being authentic, and kindly speaking your mind is what makes you a leader - with or without a formal title.”

Written by Samantha Hawkins, CMCP

“This is my life now. I live much of it on the road, in between Southwest or Delta flights, and in and out of suitcases and oversized luggage that I hardly ever unpack any longer.”

Written by Danielle Rhodes

“If I could offer one piece of advice to anyone out there, it would be always to be prepared for the impact something could have on you. It doesn’t matter if you responded to a particular type of call many times before; this one could be the one that brings you to your knees.”

Trigger Warning: This blog post discusses sensitive topics, including the death of a child. Reader discretion is advised.

Written by Natalie Hunt

“Back in college, I earned the nickname “Natty Crocker” because I was always cooking up something in the kitchen, and little did I know that many years later, I would be working with food and nutrition as a way to serve and help others.”

Written by Melissa Alterio, M.S., CPE, RPL

“It's time to embrace the pride that comes with our hard-earned accomplishments, acknowledge that we've earned our seats at the table, and encourage others to do the same.”

Written by Julie Lockhart

“As 911 dispatchers, we are accustomed to being the steady voice on the other end of the line - the calm in the midst of chaos, offering comfort and hope. But what happens when that chaos invades our inner world?”