Full Circle Moments

Written by Myranda McGuire

I was asked, “Why did you start a career in 911?” or “How did you get started in 911?”

Well… my story is a little different.

March 25, 2024, started as a normal Monday. I spent the morning doing farm chores, and around noon, I started getting ready for work. I was scheduled for training that day. I left my house at 12:16 PM.

Seven minutes later, my world stopped.

In a single moment, everything changed.

When the dust settled, I realized I was still alive, but my leg was badly broken. I couldn’t get out of the vehicle. I couldn’t move. I wasn’t even completely sure where I was. Through everything happening around me, I could hear a muffled voice.

My phone had called 911. Specifically, Colbert County 911.

I remember hearing someone ask, 'Can you hear me? Hello? Is anyone there?' — a voice that belonged to someone named Katrina, though I wouldn't know that until much later. The line disconnected as bystanders tried to make their way down the hill to me. My van had rolled down an embankment after colliding with another vehicle, landing on its side nearly 32 feet away.

The rescue crews had to peel my van apart layer by layer to get me out.

Eventually, I saw sunlight again for the first time in what felt like days.

The weather wasn’t great that day, but thankfully, the rain held off. It was too windy for Air Evac to fly, and because I wasn’t stable enough for flight, I was transported to a local hospital first before being transferred to UAB in Birmingham.

I spent the next seven days at UAB recovering from surgery and trying to process everything that had happened. I had broken three bones in my right leg in four different places.

When I was finally released to go home, I began a long road to recovery.

What I didn’t realize then was that those days and the people I met during them had quietly sparked something inside me.

Fast forward to 2025.

At the time, I was working at a hotel. I loved my job, but I still felt like I was searching for something more. One day, Indeed sent me a notification:

“You have matching job qualifications. Apply now!”

It was a posting for 911.

I applied and eventually went in for an interview. One of the ladies interviewing me knew my dad and mentioned my wreck. We talked about the accident and how much it had impacted my life.

I remember leaving that interview feeling hopeful. I had wanted to work in this field for a long time.

A few days later, I got the call — I got the job.

On August 7th, I officially started at 911.

I was nervous from the very beginning. I started training with a group of six people, but by the time we completed training and hit the floor, only three of us remained.

And then came another full-circle moment.

The voice I heard on the other end of my 911 call that day was Katrina.

Now, I get to work side-by-side with her every single day, along with several of the others who were there on that Monday afternoon when my life changed forever.

That experience gave me a perspective I never expected to have in this career.

One day, I answered a call from someone trapped in a flipped vehicle. He was terrified. His Apple Watch had automatically called 911, and even though we already had multiple calls about the wreck, I stayed on the line with him. He was able to explain where he was and what was happening around him.

He was crying, scared, and overwhelmed.

And for the first time, I could honestly tell someone:

“I know exactly how you feel because I’ve been there too.”

I reassured him that help was on the way and that he was in good hands.

In less than a year, this career has already impacted me in ways I never imagined. I truly believe I have found my calling.

Sometimes the moments that break us apart are the same moments that quietly lead us to where we were always meant to be.

“Sometimes in life, a sudden situation, a moment in time alters your whole life and forever changes the road ahead.” - Unknown

Thank you, Myranda for sharing your experience with us. If you are interested in writing a blog, please email amanda@911derwomen.com. Sign up for our newsletter on our homepage to stay up to date with 911der Women programming, exclusive content and blog updates. Click here and scroll to the bottom.