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?”

Written by Heather Blaney

“My soothing little ball of pure dopamine is Dispatcher Nugget, or 42-PU, my personal companion and our 911 center’s official Emotional Support Dispatcher. Nugget is a skunk. That’s right, he is a skunk, and his job is imperative to our center in so many ways. “

Written by Valerie Minor, MS, originally published on March 11, 2023 - 911der Women Pulse

“By normalizing conversations about mental health and emotional well-being, it creates an environment where everyone is more likely to seek support when needed and encourage their colleagues to do the same.”

Written by Josephine Rios

“During the Academy, I realized that fear had been holding me back from reaching my full potential. I had always been afraid of public speaking, meeting new people, and the fear of being judged. However, being surrounded by such inspiring women and witnessing their resilience, I felt compelled to step out of my comfort zone. “

Written by Tracy Severson, originally published on August 18, 2020

“This job, this career will change you in ways you never thought possible. You will find a passion about your community and your first responders. When people ask what you do you will be ready for the “what’s your craziest call” answer. “

Written by Wendy L. Bundy, M.S.L.S., M.A., CPRS-T, CPMC-T, CWPS

“When I step into these spaces to share my story, I do it to raise awareness for mental health in this field. A reminder to take care of yourselves first because I forgot how to.”

Written by Erin Sechrist

“If you are also a working mom in similar shoes, know you are not alone. We have to work together for working mothers' rights, for more postpartum anxiety and depression awareness, and for empowerment to find that balance.”

Written by Keisha Bristow

“Attending the 911der Women Academy in Charleston reignited that passion and excitement again. This time, however, the Academy afforded me so much more. Hearing about the career paths of other 911 professionals really left an impact on me and all that I could get out of this career.”

“911der Women helps these women discover the great strength unknown that lies deep inside each of them, while simultaneously promoting emotional vulnerability; it gives these women a voice and empowers them to proudly be their authentic selves, without fear of shame or judgement.”