On Scene First with Tracy Eldridge Episode 52 has dropped. Listen here: https://www.onscenefirst.com/podcast, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts! **Suicide Tommy shared his journey of overcoming mental health struggles and becoming a mental health advocate, discussing his experiences with therapy and the importance of seeking help. He emphasized the need for better mental health support for first responders and the creation of supportive work environments. Tommy also talked about his up...
Mar 08, 2025•41 min
In this episode, Tracy Speaks to Reuben Ramirez, Executive Partner Success Manager at Versaterm. Reuben is dedicated to addressing first responders' challenges, particularly the critical importance of mental health support. During the conversation, he highlighted the urgent need for a cultural shift towards proactive mental health support within the first responder community. Reuben also introduced the innovative Mind Base platform, designed to bolster the emotional well-being of our heroes. Thi...
Feb 26, 2025•59 min
In this episode, Tracy and Retired Deputy Fire Chief Daniel DeYear, with over 50 years of experience, discuss his career trajectory, the importance of mental health in public safety, and the importance of isolation. We also discuss the importance of service and community engagement in coping with the stresses of public safety roles. Special thanks to our Hero Sponsor, Squad Life! Visit www.squad-life.com and tell them Tracy sent you.
Feb 18, 2025•57 min
Tracy and Brodie Hinckley, Director of the Bureau of Emergency Communications for the Maine Department of Public Safety, talk about the importance of mental health support for dispatchers, including Brody's personal experience seeking therapy. Brody shares how he brought in a comfort dog named Baxter to support his team. They also discuss the upcoming Atlantic APCO conference that Brody is chairing. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the critical and challenging work that 911 dispatcher...
Oct 31, 2024•55 min
On Scene First Ep. 49: Barry Furey, Public Safety Executive Tracy Eldridge and Barry Furey, Public Safety Executive, discuss the importance of work-life balance and mental health support for first responders, especially during times of crisis like the recent hurricanes. Burnout is a major issue in the 911 industry, with around 80% of centers being understaffed, leading to high stress and overwhelming call volumes. Managers and leaders must proactively check in on their staff's wellbeing, not jus...
Oct 30, 2024•50 min
I had a WICKED awesome time speaking with one of the owners of Squad Life. Squad Life is a company owned by law enforcement and army veterans. As the On Scene First merchandise production and distribution partner that provides quality, custom-made products, fundraising and partnership opportunities, and phenomenal customer service, we are thrilled to share them with the rest of our public safety family. Special thanks to our Hero Sponsor, Squad Life! Visit www.sqaud-life.com and tell them Tracy ...
Oct 01, 2024•48 min
It was great chatting with Deb and passing on a huge thank you to the team at GeoComm for being one of the On Scene First 2023 NPSTW Celebration Event Sponsors. We discussed indoor maps, the z-axis, vertical location, the NENA EPRC, and school safety.
Jul 31, 2023•52 min
On Scene First Ep. 45: Monica Million, Founder, Million Consulting Services, LLC As a staple in the 9-1-1 space, I was honored to sit down and catch up with Monica. Join us as we discuss the drive and purpose behind her new consulting mission of encouraging understanding and implementing different technological modalities, including AI, in the call-handling process. We also discuss what mental health initiatives look like today and how leadership has a “Duty to act” when our team members struggl...
Jul 13, 2023•42 min
On Scene First Ep. 44: Gordon MacFarlane, Performance Mindset Coach. As my own coach, it was Coach Gord's training that helped me gain in-depth people-driven knowledge. Join us as we discuss how our paths strategically crossed and the slide that changed everything. As a Human Behavior Specialist and Master Trainer, Coach Gord will share the ins and outs of understanding each other better. I will also share how agencies like Baldwin County, AL use our DISC training to help with their team's inter...
Feb 10, 2023•1 hr 3 min
On Scene First Ep. 44: Sgt. Isaac Pruitt, 8 years old - NYPD: Join us as we discuss how 8-year-old Isaac Pruitt became Tik Tok famous, landed an appointment with the NYPD as Officer Isaac, and was quickly promoted to Sgt. Isaac. We discuss his passion and dedication to law enforcement and how he will not let his dwarfism stop him from following his dreams, and neither should you! If you would like to send Isaac a public safety patch or challenge coin. Sgt. Isaac Pruitt Po. Box 12670 Harrisburg, ...
Feb 04, 2023•22 min
On Scene First Ep. 43: Keith Hanks: Mental health Advocate, Peer Support, Author, National Speaker, Podcaster. Director of Promotions at First Responder Coaching RC, Host, The Resilient Responder Podcast. Join us as we discuss his challenges with PTSD from a tragic life event and many years in the fire service and how it affected his family life. Keith has worked hard to come out of the darkness and help others in their mental health journey. Special thanks to our Premier Sponsor, NGA - Next Gen...
Jan 02, 2023•45 min
On Scene First Ep. 42 STEPHEN POWERS Executive Director #BuddyCheck: Join us as we discuss Stephen's journey through PTSD where he has come out on the other side and has created a safe environment for those in public safety and military through #BuddyCheck. We talk about the stigma and stereotypes of being a Marine and Law Enforcement Officer and that it is ok to not be ok, it is just not ok to stay there. Special thanks to our Premier Sponsor, NGA - Next Generation Advanced. For more informatio...
Nov 23, 2022•52 min
On Scene First Ep. 41 Holly J. Williams, CPE, RPL, ENP, CMCP- Training Coordinator, Orange County Emergency Communications Center, Orange, VA. Join us as we talk about leveling up, not settling in a place of comfort, the misconception of passionate personalities, and much more. We also chat about her surprise wedding at the national APCO conference in Anaheim, CA. What a powerful and fin conversation. Special thanks to our Premier Sponsor, NGA - Next Generation Advanced. For more information on ...
Nov 11, 2022•55 min
On Scene First Ep. 40 Dominique Mathis, Broward Sheriff's Office Regional Communications - Training Supervisor and Founder & CEO - HELLO,911!™ Join us as we chat about the team aspect of training, the importance of setting professional boundaries, changing the narrative of how 9-1-1 is perceived, and the Importance of a simple smile. We also touch on the benefits of helping each in beneficial ways. Dominique also shared her thoughts on her new class on racial intelligence. Special thanks to ...
Sep 14, 2022•49 min
On Scene First Ep. 39 Cassie Sexton of First Responder Wellness spent many years in the emergency communications center. Join us as we chat about passion for the profession and finding your best fit. We also discuss the importance of chasing your dream position even if it means bouncing around. She shares a bit of her PTSD story and the road to recovery. We also talk about her new role with First Responder Wellness and the important work they are doing with our first responders! Special thanks t...
Aug 22, 2022•44 min
On Scene First Ep. 38: A.K. Dozanti, Founder, Life Saver Wellness I am wicked excited to share this conversation with A.K. She is a First Responder Wellness Coach & Specialist that I connected with on Tik Tok. I am thrilled to share her with you all. Join us to hear about her mental health and wellness organization that is saving our first responders! Special thanks to our Premier Sponsor, NGA - Next Generation Advanced. For more information on all your NextGen 9-1-1 needs head on over to NG...
Aug 01, 2022•45 min
BONUS: The Best of 9 1-1: Listen in to the audio version of the live session with Jeremy DeMar, M.A., CPE, ENP, NGA – Next Generation Advanced, Anne Camaro, MPE, ENP NVRDD, and Melissa Alterio, MS, CPE, RPL Cobb County, GA Join us as we chat about some amazing topics in 9-1-1 today, some of it includes taking a leap of faith, servant leadership and much more! Special thanks to our Premier sponsor, NGA - Next Generation Advanced. For more information on all your NextGen 9-1-1 needs head on over t...
Jul 19, 2022•58 min
On Scene First Ep. 37 Jennifer Anderson, CEO/Founder First Responder Coaching. I am wicked excited to have shared this conversation with Jennifer, she brings a first responder spouse perspective to the table. Listen in to hear how she went from being a teacher to CEO of a first responder coaching organization! Special thanks to our Premier sponsor, NGA - Next Generation Advanced. For more information on all your NextGen 9-1-1 needs head on over to NGA 911 and tell them Tracy sent you.
Jul 07, 2022•44 min
On Scene First Ep. 36 James Lockerbie, Frontline Telecommunicator & 9-1-1 Saves Act Advocate! Join us as we talk about the import mission James is committed to. He is playing a significant role in guiding 9-1-1 telecommunications on the path to First Responders! Special thanks to our Premier sponsor, NGA - Next Generation Advanced. For more information on all your NextGen 9-1-1 needs head on over to NGA 911 and tell them Tracy sent you.
Jun 17, 2022•46 min
On Scene First Ep. 35 Robert Avsec, from Talking "Shop" 4 Fire and EMS: As one of our 2022 National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week Event Sponsors and I am wicked excited to speak to Robert about so many areas in communications, but more importantly, speaking about leadership in public safety! Special thanks to our Premier sponsor, NGA - Next Generation Advanced. For more information on all your NextGen 9-1-1 needs head on over to NGA 911 and tell them Tracy sent you.
Jun 06, 2022•36 min
On Scene First Ep. 34 Michael Chime, Co-Founder and CEO of Prepared, a new to the 9-1-1 space technology company that is offering real-time, actionable data from callers, Prepared Live empowers emergency operators to focus on doing what they do best: saving lives. Special thanks to our Premier sponsor, NGA - Next Generation Advanced. For more information on all your NextGen 9-1-1 needs head on over to NGA 911 and tell them Tracy sent you.
May 25, 2022•42 min
On Scene First Ep. 33 Just me, Tracy Eldridge, ENP with an On Scene First catch up and update. Hear about some new stuff on the horizon. Special thanks to our Premier sponsor, NGA 911. For more information on all your NextGen 9-1-1 needs head on over to NGA 911 and tell them Tracy sent you.
May 09, 2022•19 min
On Scene First Ep. 32 David Odom, 9-1-1 Director & Kim Powell, Wellness Coordinator at the Consolidated Dispatch Agency in Tallahassee, FL. I am wicked excited to share the amazing people-driven programs they have put in place. Our conversation includes addressing human needs first, implementing a Wellness program with a full-time on-staff clinician, and double time on mandatory overtime. Check it out! Special thanks to our Premier sponsor, NGA 911. For more information on all your NextGen 9...
Mar 29, 2022•53 min
On Scene First Ep. 31 Scott Geiselhart *Trigger Warning* Join Scott, a retired Deputy Fire Chief, and I as we discuss some hard topics. We will discuss Scott’s journey from PTSD to Meth use to an unsuccessful suicide attempt and now recovery. Scott is using his story to show folks that it is possible to see in color again. What a wonderful ending to a tragic time. Special thanks to our Premier sponsor, NGA 911. For more information on all your NextGen 9-1-1 needs head on over to NGA 911 and tell...
Mar 22, 2022•50 min
On Scene First Ep. 30: I am wicked excited for you to hear this conversation with Cathy and Javi Bustos. Together they are "That Peer Support Couple," and are taking care of our first responders that are struggling with mental health issues. Separately they represent the thin blue line and have not only dealt with their own battles with mental health as law enforcement responders but also as spouses of law enforcement officers! Special thanks to our Premier sponsor, NGA 911. For more information...
Mar 09, 2022•55 min
On Scene First Ep. 29: Samantha Hawkins, Cobb County, GA 9-1-1. I am wicked excited for today's guest. This empathetic, positive communications training officer and I discuss the importance of treating callers with kindness and empathy and her aspirations to be a supervisor. Take a listen and you will see Samantha is clearly a people-centered, born leader that we can all learn a lot from. Special thanks to our Premier sponsor, NGA 911. For more information on all your NextGen 9-1-1 needs head on...
Feb 24, 2022•44 min
On Scene First Ep. 28: D. Todd Spence Director/Paramedic Sevier Co. E911 Central Dispatch. I am wicked excited for today's guest. Join us as we discuss how Director Spence moved from the paramedic side of the radio to taking on Communications, his work during the Gatlinburg wildfires, and the children's book he wrote, titled, "What is a Tactical Medic." Special thanks to our Premier sponsor, NGA 911. For more information on all your NextGen 9-1-1 needs head on over to NGA 911 and tell them Tracy...
Feb 18, 2022•39 min
On Scene First Ep. 27: Marty Crum 9-1-1 Operations Manager, Lawrence County, TN. I am wicked excited for today's guest. Join us as we discuss how a 9-1-1 center prepared for, worked through, and recover from a ransomware attack. In April 2022 their center was hit by one and Director Crum shares some amazing information that may help you in your center. Special thanks to our Premier sponsor, NGA 911. For more information on all your NextGen 9-1-1 needs head on over to NGA 911 and tell them Tracy ...
Jan 30, 2022•56 min
Welcome to Episode 26: Today's episode is just me, join me for a quick 2022 update. In this episode, we send out a huge THANK YOU to our 2022 "On Scene First with Tracy Eldridge" podcast /media sponsor, NGA 911. I will also cover what we are up to and will be up to in 2022. Thank you to our PREMIER Sponsor, NGA 911. For more information on all your Next Gen 9-1-1 needs head on over to NGA 911 and tell them Tracy sent you.
Jan 23, 2022•22 min
Welcome to Episode 25: I am wicked excited for today's guest Kevin Konczal, Kevin is a veteran Police officer who experienced a fatal officer-involved shooting, just 6 weeks into his career Join us as we chat about the mental health consequences and how he worked through his Post-traumatic stress. Kevin may no longer be serving from the field, but he is still serving those in it. Thank you to our premier sponsor RapidSOS, for more information on how you can become RapidSOS Ready and connect to t...
Dec 13, 2021•54 min
