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

Written by Keely Heyman

When I first heard about the Certified Public-Safety Executive (CPE) course, I wasn’t exactly rolling out the red carpet for it. I’ll be honest—I was on the fence. It felt like one of those things you should do rather than something you want to do. Admittedly, I didn't know much about it. I had spent many years in the trenches with the mindset that I was “just” a dispatcher, and I didn't need to expand on my educational path within 9-1-1. I was content where I was, and the thought of diving into a rigorous program seemed overwhelming. But, as it turns out, sometimes the things we resist the most are the ones we need the most. Looking back, I’m so glad I took the leap- or perhaps was kicked off the cliff. Whatever, I am just glad it happened. 

The online portion of CPE was pretty much what you’d expect—lots of reading, writing, and engaging on the platform. It had all the classic online school vibes, but here’s the thing: the feedback was incredibly rewarding. The discussions weren’t just busy work; they opened my eyes to new ways of thinking and managing. Each module felt like it was building a bridge and little by little, I started seeing the value in what we were learning. Plus, even virtually, the community we built felt close-knit and supportive. We all leaned on each other, especially since many of us were balancing full-time work in the middle of a pandemic.

The real magic, though, happened during the two weeks in Daytona. This is where it all comes together, where the theory becomes practice, and where you get to put everything you’ve learned into action. Day one was a reality check—you dive straight into your strengths and weaknesses, and there’s no hiding from the mirror. You’re confronted with who you are as a leader and who you aspire to be, and honestly, it’s both humbling and exhilarating. It’s also an eye-opening perspective of your needs and others, and, perhaps, not everything can be met with the same approach. There is a considerable need to “meet people where they are at” and this onsite part of the class drives that idea in such a purposeful way. Nothing we will ever do as humans is a “one size fits all” approach. 

And then there’s Dr. Steve. Let me tell you, he’s the heartbeat of the program. This man doesn’t just teach leadership; he lives and breathes it. He has this way of making you see things differently—of helping you strip away the layers until you get to the core of what it means to lead. Vulnerability becomes a strength, and you start to see leadership not as a role but as a state of being. And when Dr. Steve speaks, you don’t just listen; you feel inspired (and yes, he even inspires tattoos). Suddenly, you’re rethinking not just your approach to work but how you show up as a human being.

Throughout the two weeks, you don’t just learn from the instructors; you learn from each other. The collaboration with classmates becomes this tight-knit bond. We leaned on each other, we supported each other, and we shared stories that made us laugh, cry, and everything in between. It wasn’t just professional development; it was personal growth. We all came from different corners of the country, yet it felt like we’d known each other for years.

My experience was a bit of a hybrid, being part of both CPE 11 and CPE 14. The pandemic threw a wrench in the original plan, so my journey spanned both cohorts. But instead of it being a disruption, it turned into an opportunity. I got the best of both worlds and the chance to connect with even more incredible people. It was like a double dose of insight, collaboration, and camaraderie. The CPE program gave me a new lens to look at my career and life through. It wasn’t just about being “in charge” or running a tight ship. It was about understanding the impact I want to make and how to lead with empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to serve others. It’s about making meaningful connections and, sometimes, getting comfortable with the uncomfortable.

So yeah, 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!

Thank you, Keely 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.