Sirens, Slammers and Service - A podcast for Female First Responders - podcast cover

Sirens, Slammers and Service - A podcast for Female First Responders

As a former correctional officer in Alberta for almost 2 decades and the founder of Blue Line Fitness Testing which provides law enforcement fitness testing and wellness workshops, I started this podcast as a way for female first responders to be able to share their stories including the trials, tribulations and triumphs of their daily work. Our episodes cover female correctional officers and caseworkers, military personnel, female paramedics, firefighters and dispatchers, as well as feature female Edmonton Police Service officers, drug dog handlers and female tactical team members. I want to showcase the unique perspectives, skill sets and personalities that women bring to a first responder career and work to encourage more women to apply for these careers and step up to learn more about what we do.
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Episodes

Lighting the Way: Debra Rogers on Leadership, Mentorship & Breaking Barriers in the Fire Service

Send us a text In this episode of Sirens, Slammers, and Service , we sit down with Debra Rogers — Acting Captain with Campbell River Fire Department and the powerhouse President of the Island Ignite Mentorship Society . Debra shares her unconventional and inspiring path into the fire service, entering the field as a mature recruit and eventually becoming the first woman ever hired in her department . Now a seasoned firefighter, acting captain, and fire investigator, she brings decades of insight...

Jul 18, 202555 min

Boots in the Bush: Taylor Dufault’s First Season as a Fish & Wildlife Officer

Send us a text Season 9 of Sirens, Slammers, and Service keeps charging ahead with one of Alberta’s freshest faces in the field — Taylor Dufault , a brand-new Fish and Wildlife Officer who hit the ground running in September 2024. In this episode, Taylor takes us behind the scenes of her journey into the world of conservation law enforcement — from her intense training at WCLEA (Western Conservation Law Enforcement Academy) to the unforgettable calls she’s already faced just months into the job....

Jul 11, 202554 min

Wounded Healers: Dr. Tracy Covington on Healing EMS Trauma Through Ketamine-Assisted Therapy

Send us a text In this deeply moving episode of Sirens, Slammers, and Service , host Nikki Cloutier sits down with Dr. Tracy Covington , a clinical psychologist and the powerful force behind Wabi Sabi Circle , a foundation that’s reshaping the mental health landscape for female EMS providers. Dr. Covington shares how she’s bringing hope and healing to women on the front lines of emergency medical services—many of whom silently carry the weight of PTSD, depression, and anxiety . Through week-long...

Jun 20, 202547 minSeason 9Ep. 4

RCMP Constable Sarah Marchildon-White on Serious Crimes, Rural Realities & Supporting Women in Public Safety

Send us a text In this authentic and real episode of Sirens, Slammers, and Service , host Nikki Cloutier sits down with RCMP Constable Sarah Marchildon-White , a proud 11-year veteran of the force who is now serving in Alberta’s Serious Crimes Branch . Sarah opens up about her early years working in rural Alberta and the community of Maskwacis , where frontline policing brought both incredible challenges and unforgettable moments. From unpredictable shifts to community connection, she doesn’t ho...

Jun 13, 20251 hr 17 minSeason 9Ep. 3

From Frontlines to Firelines: Sheila Farrell on Paramedic Life and Incident Response

Send us a text She’s back! In this long-awaited return to Sirens, Slammers, and Service , Advanced Care Paramedic Sheila Farrell reconnects with host Nikki Cloutier to share what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and what it really means to serve in one of the most demanding roles in public safety. Now three years into her ACP career, Sheila walks us through her newest adventure as an Incident Response Paramedic (IRP) —a high-stakes, high-impact position supporting Alberta Health Services durin...

Jun 06, 20251 hr 7 minSeason 9Ep. 2

The Hardest Knock: Death Notifications, Duty & Resilience with Dr. Alexandra Jabr

Send us a text We’re back with Season 9 of Sirens, Slammers, and Service , and we’re kicking things off with a powerful and perspective-shifting conversation. In this episode, host Nikki Cloutier sits down with Dr. Alexandra Jabr , Ph.D., EMT-P — an Independent Educator, seasoned paramedic, and founder of EmergencyResilience.com . Known for her no-fluff approach to integrating difficult but essential topics into first responder training, Alexandra opens up about the career-altering workplace inj...

May 30, 20251 hrSeason 9Ep. 1

Sirens, Slammers and Service | Season 8 Finale - Listeners Chime in with their Stories!

Send us a text We’re closing out Season 8 with a raw, unfiltered, and wildly entertaining episode you won’t want to miss! Host Nikki Cloutier put a call out to the Sirens, Slammers and Service community asking, “What’s the most fucked up thing that has happened to you as a first responder?” — and wow, did you ever deliver. In this episode, Nikki reads and plays real listener stories and voice notes that swing from hilarious and downright ridiculous to heavy, heart-wrenching, and life-changing. F...

Apr 18, 202546 minSeason 8Ep. 12

Behind the Badge: Building Wellness and Strength in Public Safety with Nicole Ferry

Send us a text Sirens, Slammers, and Service What does it take to lead with resilience in the face of trauma? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Nicole Ferry , a trailblazing law enforcement leader with over 26 years of public safety experience. From her role as Special Agent in Charge in a Class I railroad police department to her work in human trafficking prevention and officer wellness, Nicole brings both professional authority and deep personal insight to the conversation. Nicole get...

Apr 11, 20251 hrSeason 8Ep. 11

🎙️ Loving Someone with Trauma: Insights from Dr. Michelle Sherman 💙

Send us a text On this episode of Sirens, Slammers, and Service , we sit down with Dr. Michelle Sherman, PhD ABPP , a clinical psychologist and expert in supporting those with mental health conditions like PTSD and trauma. Dr. Sherman has dedicated their career to helping families navigate the complexities of loving someone who has been through immense hardship. 🔹 How do you connect with a loved one who has withdrawn due to trauma? 🔹 What are the biggest mistakes people make when trying to hel...

Mar 28, 202539 minSeason 8Ep. 10

🏌️‍♂️ Driving Foreward: Mental Health Support for First Responders with Sue Harvey 🚓🚒🚑

Send us a text This episode of Sirens, Slammers, and Service is part of Podcasthon, a global movement with 1,675 podcasts from 47 countries, including 650 French-speaking ones unite to amplify the voices of charitable organizations that need it most! 🎙️🌍 We’re joined by Sue Harvey, a former RCMP officer and the founder of Driving Foreward, a non-profit dedicated to helping first responders tackle their mental health through the sport of golf. Sue opens up about her own experiences in policing,...

Mar 21, 20251 hr 11 minSeason 8Ep. 9

🧠 How Trauma Stays in the Body – A Conversation with Dr. Jolene Gough

Send us a text Did you know that your body can hold onto trauma long after a stressful or traumatic event has passed? In this episode of Sirens, Slammers, and Service , we sit down with Dr. Jolene Gough, a chiropractor with nearly 20 years of experience, to break down the science behind how the body stores trauma and the critical role the parasympathetic nervous system plays in recovery. Dr. Gough shares eye-opening insights into how first responders, frontline workers, and anyone facing high-st...

Mar 07, 20251 hr 2 minSeason 8Ep. 8

Dispatch, Loss, and Resilience with Janet Wizowaty

Send us a text 🎙️ Sirens, Slammers, and Service - With over 30 years as an RCMP dispatcher, Janet Wizowaty has been the calm voice on the other end of countless emergencies, guiding first responders through life-and-death situations. But behind the headset, she has faced her own journey of loss, trauma, and resilience. Now an author of The Year the World Paused and a guest contributor in Wounds to Wisdom , Janet joins the podcast to share her experiences navigating the emotional toll of dispatc...

Mar 03, 202556 minSeason 8Ep. 7

Detective Sergeant Jody Rogers on Major Crimes and Memorable Patrol Moments

Send us a text 🎙️ Sirens, Slammers, and Service In this episode, we sit down with Jody Rogers, a 22-year veteran police officer whose career has taken her from the Edmonton Police Service to her current role with the Winnipeg Police Service. Recently promoted to Detective Sergeant with the Major Crimes Unit, Jody shares the unique challenges of investigating high-stakes cases and reflects on the differences and similarities between the two agencies and cities she’s had the honor to serve. Jody ...

Feb 21, 20251 hr 11 minSeason 8Ep. 6

Rising Through Adversity with Courtney McCarron

Send us a text 🎙️ Sirens, Slammers, and Service Returning guest Courtney McCarron of the RCMP is back on Sirens, Slammers, and Service ! First featured in Season 1 as a Sexual Assault Review Coordinator, Courtney now shares the incredible transformations in her career and life over the past two and a half years. Recently promoted to the role of Staff Sergeant Major, Courtney reflects on the challenges, growth, and new adventures that come with her leadership position. Her journey hasn’t been ea...

Feb 14, 202559 minSeason 8Ep. 5

From Federal Corrections to Community Peace Officer with Tapanga Lang

Send us a text 🎙️ Sirens, Slammers, and Service In this compelling episode of Sirens, Slammers, and Service , we sit down with Tapanga Lang, a former Federal Correctional Officer who has transitioned into her current role as a Community Peace Officer in Whitecourt. Tapanga opens up about her experiences working in federal corrections, shedding light on the immense challenges and rewards of managing one of the toughest environments in law enforcement. She also discusses her decision to pivot to ...

Feb 07, 202555 minSeason 8Ep. 4

From People to Pets with Animal Control Officer Ashley Campbell

Send us a text In this episode of Sirens, Slammers, and Service , we’re joined by Animal Control Peace Officer Ashley Campbell, whose unique career journey has led her from working with young offenders to protecting wildlife and managing urban animals. Ashley shares her fascinating path, including roles in young offender corrections, as a transit peace officer, and as a conservation officer, all of which prepared her for her current role in animal control. Ashley recounts hilarious and heartwarm...

Jan 31, 20251 hr 11 minSeason 8Ep. 3

From Rural Firefighting to Tactical Paramedicine with Kat Campbell

Send us a text In this action-packed episode of Sirens, Slammers, and Service , we sit down with Tactical Advanced Care Paramedic Kat Campbell. Kat shares her incredible journey, beginning as a rural firefighter and evolving into her current role as a tactical paramedic with Alberta Health Services alongside the Edmonton Police Tactical Team. Kat provides a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to provide advanced medical care in high-stakes situations, responding to emergencies alongside one ...

Jan 24, 20251 hr 5 minSeason 8Ep. 2

Season 8 Premiere: 30 Years Behind the Mic with Debbie Green

Send us a text We’re kicking off Season 8 of Sirens, Slammers, and Service with an extraordinary guest, Debbie Green, a 30-year veteran in law enforcement and dispatch from California. Debbie takes us on a journey through three decades of evolution in dispatch and technology, offering a rare perspective on how the role has changed over the years to meet the growing demands of public safety. In this deeply personal episode, Debbie opens up about the traumatic event that led to her retirement in 2...

Jan 17, 20251 hrSeason 8Ep. 1

Alix Hassell - A Day in the Life of a Firefighter

Send us a text Our listeners loved Alix so much, we brought her back for another episode to wrap up Season 7!!! In this informative episode, Alix breaks down the nitty gritty of a day in the life of a fire fighter - from equipment checks to firehall meals and shared sleeping quarters (that can include a few farts each night!). Alix shares some firefighting terminology and routines and describes all that happens during a 24 hour shift. This episode is a must listen for anyone interested in a care...

Dec 13, 20241 hr 3 minSeason 7Ep. 12

From Wrestling Mats to Fire Halls with Firefighter Alix Hassell

Send us a text In this episode of Sirens, Slammers, and Service , we’re joined by Alix Hassell, a newer firefighter with the Calgary Fire Department, who shares her inspiring journey into firefighting. Alix opens up about how her background as a varsity wrestler shaped her mental toughness, discipline, and physical preparedness—qualities that became invaluable during her recruit training and transition into the fire service. From the intense demands of training to the camaraderie and unpredictab...

Nov 29, 20241 hr 6 minSeason 7Ep. 11

Emotional Freedom and Resilience with Natty Lewis of Ascend EQ

Send us a text In this phenomenal and personal episode of Sirens, Slammers, and Service, we welcome Natalyn (Natty) Lewis, founder of Ascend EQ. Natty’s work focuses on proven methods for achieving emotional freedom and reducing anxiety, helping individuals move past trauma to find lasting peace. Natty and her colleagues have also developed a groundbreaking framework endorsed by the National Association of Social Workers that targets science and proven methods to adjust neural patterns and tende...

Nov 15, 20241 hr 7 minSeason 7Ep. 10

A Policing Journey Across the Pond with Constable Sally Lloyd

Send us a text In this episode of Sirens, Slammers, and Service, we’re joined by Sally Lloyd, a seasoned constable with South Wales Police in Wales, UK. With 20 years in policing—including 16 years as a frontline officer—Sally has witnessed firsthand the challenges and rewards of keeping communities safe. Sally now brings her experience and compassion to the Youth Offending Service, where she has spent the past 3.5 years working closely with young offenders to guide them toward better choices an...

Nov 08, 202451 minSeason 7Ep. 9

From Adversity to Advocacy: Kerri Shier’s Journey in University Protective Services

Send us a text In this episode of Sirens, Slammers, and Service, we are joined by Kerri Shier, a Peace Officer with University of Alberta Protective Services (UAPS). Kerri shares her personal journey into the career after surviving a violent encounter, and how that experience fueled her passion for ensuring the safety and well-being of others on campus. Kerri offers a detailed look into the complex and vital work that protective services does across the University of Alberta campuses, from handl...

Nov 01, 20241 hr 2 minSeason 7Ep. 8

Protecting the Planet: Michaela Quinn’s Journey in Environmental Enforcement

Send us a text In this fascinating episode of Sirens, Slammers, and Service, we sit down with Michaela Quinn, an Environmental Enforcement Officer with Environment and Climate Change Canada. Michaela's career path has been anything but conventional, having previously served as a CBSA Student Officer and an Alberta Sheriff. Now, in her role with ECCC, she tackles the unique and complex challenges of enforcing environmental laws to protect Canada’s natural resources. Michaela shares her journey th...

Oct 25, 202450 minSeason 7Ep. 7

Serving with Heart: RCMP Constable Melissa Smits and the Mission of Ned’s Wish

Send us a text In this 🐾PAWSOME 🐾 episode of Sirens, Slammers, and Service, we are joined by Melissa Smits, a 15-year veteran of the RCMP and a Constable with the Major Crimes Unit. Melissa shares her incredible journey into and through the ranks of the RCMP, offering listeners a glimpse into the demanding world of major crimes investigations and the resilience required to thrive in such a role. Beyond her work as a Constable, Melissa is also the Fundraising Director for Ned’s Wish, a charitab...

Oct 18, 20241 hr 4 minSeason 7Ep. 6

Unapologetically Authentic: Janis Gibson’s 34-Year Journey with Alberta Corrections

Send us a text In this candid episode of Sirens, Slammers, and Service, we are joined by Janis Gibson, a 34-year veteran with Alberta Corrections who currently works in the Correctional Planning and Innovation Branch. Janis is responsible for overseeing the Offender Records Management System, a critical tool in modern corrections, and her extensive experience gives her unique insights into the evolution of corrections over the years. Janis is unapologetically authentic, and in this episode, she ...

Oct 11, 20241 hr 8 minSeason 7Ep. 5

Tactical Life and Wellness with Sergeant Ryan Walker

Send us a text Season 7 gets even better (I know, can you freaking believe it!) as we welcome Ryan Walker, a Sergeant with the Edmonton Police Tactical Unit and the owner of four Supplement King locations in the Edmonton area. Ryan, only our second male guest on the show, brings a wealth of experience and insights into both the high-stakes world of tactical policing and the critical role that supplements can play in supporting the health and wellness of first responders. Ryan shares fascinating ...

Oct 04, 202457 minSeason 7Ep. 4

Stacie Bourdon on Mental Health, Equine Wellness, and Serving Those Who Serve

Send us a text In this enlightening episode of Sirens, Slammers, and Service, we welcome Stacie Bourdon, a 15-year veteran first responder and the passionate founder of CX Solid, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for alternative mental health initiatives for federal correctional officers. Stacie's commitment to supporting the mental well-being of those who serve in one of the most challenging environments is truly inspiring. Stacie shares her journey as a first responder and t...

Sep 27, 20241 hr

Amanda Lachambre's Journey: From Communications to Canine Comfort

Send us a text Season 7 continues to get better as we welcome Amanda Lachambre, a dedicated 10-year member of the Edmonton Police Service, who shares her inspiring journey through the ranks. Starting as a communications officer, Amanda transitioned to patrol, where she has served the community with unwavering commitment. Now, she embarks on a groundbreaking new endeavor: bringing a therapeutic dog into the service to support the mental well-being of her fellow officers. Amanda opens up about her...

Sep 20, 20241 hr 11 minSeason 7Ep. 2

Leading with Pride: Dawn Blake's Journey in Law Enforcement

Send us a text Season 7 is here and we are kicking it off with a BANG!!! In this powerful episode of Sirens, Slammers, and Service, we sit down with Dawn Blake, the Inspector of Operations with the Tsuut'ina Nation Police and a proud Indigenous officer with an impressive 12-year background in the RCMP. Dawn shares her inspiring journey through the ranks of law enforcement, reflecting on her experiences as a trailblazing officer in both the RCMP and the Tsuut'ina Nation Police. Dawn discusses the...

Sep 13, 20241 hr 5 minSeason 7Ep. 1
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