Viewpoints by Equature: Recent Episodes
Viewpoints by Equature
Public Safety is a difficult but rewarding profession. With a collection of diverse experiences, people from all over the United States have a unique “Viewpoint” of what public safety should be. Join Zach Vogel as he discusses various topics such as wellness, leadership, technology, and change within the industry with public safety professionals around the country. Each episode will feature a different guest and topic to energize industry leaders and inspire young and seasoned professionals to develop their careers and agency for greatness!
In our newest podcast episode, we are joined by Tony Harrison, a true veteran in the public safety communications industry. With over 25 years of experience working in PSAPs, serving as a reserve deputy sheriff, and founding his own training company, The Public Safety Group, Tony offers invaluable insights on the paramount role of training for public safety professionals - new and veteran alike.Tony emphasizes the vital need for comprehensive training not just for new hires, but as continuing education for experienced personnel. He stresses how proper training prepares responders to handle even the most critical emergencies calmly and effectively by keeping their skills sharp.
Marine Gunnery Sgt. Matthew Betcher shares his journey growing up in a public safety family and how it influenced his career with the U.S. Marines as an Air Traffic Controller. He draws parallels between his role and his mother's as a 911 dispatcher, recounting fond memories of family weekends shaped by his father's law enforcement career. The easygoing rapport between Matthew and the host makes for an engaging conversation. But be prepared for heartstring tugs as he reflects on the unique experiences and sacrifices of public safety professions, both in uniform and behind the scenes. His stories offer a poignant appreciation for those who answer the call to serve.
Doug Showalter is a renowned public speaker who has spent years enlightening and entertaining public safety professionals. In this podcast episode, Doug delves into the profound impact individuals can make through their work. He elucidates the essence of true leadership, emphasizing that it transcends mere titles and encompasses one's words and actions. Join Doug as he shares insights on leadership applicable not only to public safety organizations but also to private corporations. His wisdom promises to inspire listeners to embrace their role as catalysts for positive change.
Get ready for an insightful and entertaining ride as Traci Brown, world-renowned expert on body language and fraud detection, pulls back the curtain on her globetrotting career. For over 20 years, Traci has traveled to every corner of the world, studying the telling quirks and subtle cues that can reveal when someone isn't playing it straight. This podcast is your backstage pass, where she'll be dishing out jaw-dropping stories and hard-earned wisdom like never before.Whether she's in a packed corporate boardroom or studing someone's body language for a case, Traci has seen it all. Now she's giving you an unfiltered look at the roller coaster of challenges and triumphs that come with being an elite truth spotter. You'll hear untold tales from her strangest assignments and biggest bust-ups with fraudsters. Plus, Traci will reveal the trade secrets that turned her into a modern-day human lie detector, so you too can sharpen your skills at reading body language and sniffing out shadiness.Don't miss this wild, one-of-a-kind podcast taking you inside the high-stakes world of deception detection.
Jim Marshall, CEO of the 911 Training Institute, joins us for an enlightening conversation honoring 911 Emergency Telecommunicators. With a deep reverence for these unsung heroes, Jim shares his personal experiences interacting with PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) personnel from across the nation. His captivating stories and visionary leadership will fill you with immense pride in the noble career path you've chosen, leaving you yearning for more of his invaluable insights. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to this vital field, Jim's inspiring discourse will reaffirm your commitment to making a positive difference in people's lives. Prepare to be moved, motivated, and filled with renewed enthusiasm for the extraordinary work you and your colleagues undertake every day.
Mississippi Highway Patrol Captain Reed Harrington shares insights on officer safety and training for public safety professionals. Drawing from his experience across various roles, Captain Harrington emphasizes the vital need for robust and ongoing training for 911 dispatchers and officers, starting from the moment they are hired and continuing throughout their careers. He provides perspective on how proper training impacts officer safety and readiness to serve.
Jimmy Perdue brings years of experience with public safety construction projects to the discussion. He joins our host Cherie Bartram to share insights on consolidating PSAPs. Drawing from proven techniques to avoid common pitfalls, they will talk about critical strategies like effectively communicating with all stakeholders throughout the consolidation process in order to ensure successful outcomes.
Join us as we talk with Moe from Moetivations for a transformative discussion on generational differences among PSAP employees. Gain a fresh perspective on the generations working together and the unique challenges each faces. Moe will share an inclusive outlook that moves beyond stereotypes to encourage professionalism across age groups. Learn tips to foster a positive workplace free from generational prejudice. By uniting a mix of experiences, we can build understanding and tap the strengths of all generations represented in the PSAP workforce.
Meet Kelley Cunningham, the 2023 National APCO Director of the Year. Kelley has some amazing processes and events to share that brought her to this shining star moment. Along with her is supervisor Libby Howland (Michigan's 2023 Supervisor of the Year), her employee who nominated Kelley for the award. Libby will share her views on her director and what prompted her to write her nomination for director of the year. Join us and listen to this dynamic duo and discover how Kelley has led her team through new waters while learning how you can write an award-winning nomination!
Prepare to be blown away by Deb Plummer's incredible journey in the world of public safety! This trailblazing leader was remote dispatching long before NG911 was a whisper in our minds. Get ready to be captivated as you dive into her extraordinary story, exploring her transformative impact on her agency's quality assurance, quality improvement, and training programs. You will be left amazed at some of her reveals! Don't miss this astonishing episode!
Fire Chief Craig Miller and Firefighter Chloe Liberatore discuss their paths to becoming firefighters. Chloe recounts her personal journey into the realm of firefighting and expresses her profound gratitude for her colleagues within the department. Meanwhile, her fire chief, Craig Miller, shares his perspective on adapting to change and his positive outlook on incorporating new techniques. Tune in to discover how this department is enthusiastically embracing the opportunities of the future.
Have you ever wondered about the lives of children in law enforcement families? We often hear about the ones who follow in their parents' footsteps and those who take a different path. But what's the actual experience of growing up in a public safety household like? How does it feel to understand your parents' line of work and the sacrifices they make? In this captivating podcast, you'll discover the insights and advice from four young individuals who've spent their lives alongside parents in the world of public safety, from behind the badges to under the headset.
Curious about the experience of balancing parenthood and a career in public safety? Dive into this podcast where you can listen to firsthand accounts from individuals who have successfully raised their children to adulthood, as well as those who are still in the midst of the journey. Get ready to be entertained by their anecdotes, surprised by their emotions, and gain insights into the unique perspectives and challenges faced by those working in the field, both behind the badge and under the headset.
Have you ever struggled with training? Why was it fun when you were younger and if so... well... boring as an adult? Join Doug and Jill Showalter on our podcast to learn how they took the idea of learning is fun and applied some simple techniques into PSAP learning. Doug and Jill also encourages each person to put priority on investing in themselves, it's the best investment you can make and will make YOU, the "go-to" person! Don't miss this podcast for some great insight on innovative training.
Tracy Eldridge uses humor and blunt honesty when relaying her own experiences in her goal to help others avoid the pitfalls she made in her journey in public safety. "Life is too short to not know how to save one!" and she urges people to look within when using that quote. Join her in our podcast as we listen to Tracy talk about the importance of leadership, knowing your own self, why people-centered leadership is so important (and with a different twist on this topic than you might be thinking!). Tracy will also share why it’s not okay to settle for unhappiness and the importance of investing in YOU! Tracy will entertain and educate you in this one-hour presentation. No matter where you are in your career, this will be a podcast you will want to put on your calendar!
Eric Parry has been a leader in the public safety industry for 50+ years, from the road, to all aspects of 9-1-1, consulting, teaching, his history is impressive. This podcast explores the traits of a leader, how one reacts to mistakes and empowers those around them. This episode will provide those in public safety with examples of where this career can take them, if they choose to walk-the-walk.
Ready to Retire? Or are you thinking it’s time to step down, but you aren’t really ready to let go of that public safety bug that bit you all those years ago? Join our podcast and learn about what Constable Tracy Ward did with the lessons she learned in her career on the road and in the dispatch center. She will talk about how she overcame early chauvinistic challenges and how she set her vision, planning for her the next phases of her career. Her story comes with her surprise realization of her own personal bias that stopped her in her path and prompted her to make changes that impacted hundreds for the better.
Adam Timm is continuing his journey becoming well-known throughout the public safety 9-1-1 world. This podcast will explore the successes and challenges that Adam has experienced on his journey from the dispatcher to the business owner. Throughout the episode, Adam offers sound advice and leadership to all those who watch.
Chaplain James Friedman, husband, father, grandfather, pastor, police officer, business owner, trainer, and friend. What hasn't this man done! Chaplain Friedman shares the impact of a Chaplain program for a public safety organization and how to set one up and nurture it. He also discusses his personal knowledge of autism and the challenges the disorder brings to public safety from 9-1-1 to contact on the street. Chaplain Friedman will make you laugh and make you pause to think about these topics in ways you may have never done before.
Cherie Bartram got a chance to chat with Chief Lillian Bonsignore who served for the FDNY for over 30 years. She was there when the twin towers were struck, and she has been a pivotal member of the New York Fire Department serving in many capacities throughout her tenure. Chief Bonsignore has accomplished many goals in her career with her simple but powerful philosophy of don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't... As a Chief for FDNY, Chief Bonsignore supervises 41-- EMTs, paramedics, EMS officers, and civilian employees. Listen to her story as she relays her life lessons, her many firsts, and her plans for her future. Chief Bonsignore offers several teachable moments throughout the podcast.
Cherie Bartram got a chance to talk with Katie Donovan on her dedication to helping those that are affected by substance abuse and sharing her personal story. Substance use disorders (SUD) are some of the most highly stigmatized health conditions worldwide. Stigma creates barriers to support the person as well as early intervention, screening, treatment, and effective recovery, particularly in healthcare settings. This podcast will explore the stigma associated with the family of someone who abuses/uses drugs as well as for the person, who may be labeled because of his/her drug usage. It will provide a deeper understanding for first responders from the perspective of a family who’s been there. This mindset shift will allow responders to wonder compassionately about the situation they are responding and how their words and actions make a powerful impact. inspire to educate individuals and families about the latest stigma research, as well as equip them with tools to respond. Listeners will learn about the different types of stigma, the social construct of stigma, the importance of using non-stigmatizing language, and innovations to reduce stigma in health and justice settings.
Bryce Tracy has been the Assistant Emergency Manager and 911 Coordinator for Mackinac County, Michigan, for over seventeen years. He began his service to public safety before graduating from high school and continued as a certified firefighter in the early 90’s. Under Bryce’s leadership Michigan’s Upper Peninsula led the way as the Upper Peninsula 911 Authority creating an infrastructure for shared resources across the region, migrating from copper to fiber and linking eight PSAPs together for a virtual consolidation. Bryce is also responsible for the training of several PSAP leaders in Michigan who have gained knowledge and experience implementing MABAS. Bryce humbly shares his vision for Michigan’s 911 PSAPs and his reminders for the industry.
Bryce Tracy has been the Assistant Emergency Manager and 911 Coordinator for Mackinac County, Michigan, for over seventeen years. He began his service to public safety before graduating from high school and continued as a certified firefighter in the early 90’s. Under Bryce’s leadership Michigan’s Upper Peninsula led the way as the Upper Peninsula 911 Authority creating an infrastructure for shared resources across the region, migrating from copper to fiber and linking eight PSAPs together for a virtual consolidation. Bryce is also responsible for the training of several PSAP leaders in Michigan who have gained knowledge and experience implementing MABAS. Bryce humbly shares his vision for Michigan’s 911 PSAPs and his reminders for the industry.
Harriet Rennie-Brown began her career in 9-1-1 after working in Corrections. She shares her journey and goals in this candid and light-hearted interview. Her valuable, heartfelt advice to all is an added bonus to her audience.
This podcast highlights the unique connection between family members (Steven Leese & Anthony (Tony) Leese; Millie McConnaughey & Cherie Bartram) in public safety. Watching a parent in the 9-1-1 / public safety career often has the beneficial impact of raising up the next generation to serve the public. Watch and hear the changes and stories from two families spanning over 40 years in public safety.
Cherie Bartram had a chance to talk with Carl Simpson on his journey in public safety. Beginning his service to public safety in the private sector enabled Carl to have a strong depth of understanding on what would help those he served, regardless of the capacity he served in. This podcast will highlight career moves, taking care of PSAP staff, and the challenges that occur with moving technology and legislative changes.
Cherie Bartram had a great conversation with Mel Maier who is the retired Oakland County Captain about NG911, Cyber Security and AI. Technology changes are occurring at such a rapid pace, it can be a struggle for PSAPs to keep up. What exactly is the future direction of 911? This podcast will touch on what is important for PSAPs to know and the technology that is critical for the future. Gain a better understanding of NG9-1-1. Discover why knowing about cybersecurity is so important, and what is the future of AI in the PSAP.
In this episode Zach Vogel and Cherie Bartram enjoyed their time talking with April Heinze. April discovers the career path of a 911 professional while discussing the challenges and triumphs of this exciting career. Learn April Heinze’s philosophy on how to pursue a dream career in the 911 profession as well as her vision on the future path of 911.
Zach Vogel and Cherie Bartram had an opportunity to talk with Kathryn Schmelzer. In this episode learn how Kathryn Schmelzer went from dog groomer to the 2020 Michigan Telecommunicator of the Year and National APCO 2021 Telecommunicator of the year winner. Discover how she started her career and the beliefs that she has committed to, that made her a stand-out in the field. Learn her goals, her views on technology and find out what drives this winner, to make a difference.
Zach Vogel and Karen Gregorcic got an opportunity to talk with veteran Jennifer Kirkland who is the Dispatch Manager of Grand Junction in Colorado about her 20+ years in the PSAP. In this episode we'll explore the history of dispatchers and develop a communication center that is positioned for continued legacy with all of the new technology and staffing challenges ahead. Along with practices for recruiting, training, supporting and retaining talent.
Our conversation continues in part 2 with Debbie Condino, Andy Brown, Nicole Plauman, and Lindsey Parton of the Macomb Outreach Program on their approach to the opioid epidemic that is sweeping across the country. We’ll discover the successes they have had with helping the patients and family members by using an advanced view of an opioid call for service.
Macomb County Michigan is taking a new approach to the Opioid epidemic sweeping through the country with the Macomb Outreach Program. In this two-part Podcast, discover the successes Debbie Condino, Andy Brown, Nicole Plauman and Lindsey Parton have had with helping the patients and family members by using an advanced view of an opioid call for service.
Peer-to-Peer support in the PSAP is a growing need as we recognize the vicarious trauma that 9-1-1 professionals experience throughout their career. Learn about one PSAP’s development and gather tips on how to start your own program at your PSAP!
Cherie Bartram dedicated 38 years to 9-1-1 and 40 total years to public safety. Following in her mom’s footsteps as a dispatcher after working in EMS for two years, Cherie unfolds her story of a long and varied career in the 9-1-1 profession. Tune in to hear about the changes she experienced, her life in public safety service, and how, even after 40 years, she wasn’t ready to leave the industry.