Show overview
On Scene First with Tracy Eldridge has been publishing since 2020, and across the 5 years since has built a catalogue of 57 episodes. That works out to roughly 45 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a monthly cadence.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 44 min and 56 min — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Education show.
There hasn’t been a new episode in the last ninety days; the most recent episode landed 8 months ago. The busiest year was 2022, with 18 episodes published.
From the publisher
On Scene First with Tracy Eldridge is designed to bridge the gap between public safety professionals and needed industry resources. It is centralized on the goal of bringing entertaining, educational, and empowering interviews with public safety difference-makers to discuss new technology, out-of-the-box thinking, and mental health resources to save lives on both sides of the call. Tracy began her career in 1997 as a 9-1-1 dispatcher and then became the Chief Dispatcher in Rochester, MA in 2003. Although she has left the 9-1-1 center, she still serves her community as a call firefighter/EMT. Since 2006, Tracy has been educating telecommunicators, EMTs, and Firefighters nationwide. She has also been recognized nationally for her efforts to bring PTSD awareness to public safety first responders through conference training sessions, webinars, and keynote presentations.
Latest Episodes
View all 57 episodes
On Scene First Ep. 53: Wes Jones, Rapid Deploy, Senior Customer Success Manager
We discuss his journey from public safety to the private sector and the evolution of RapidDeploy, now part of Motorola Solutions. They explore the company’s mission to bring cloud-based technology and innovative tools to emergency communications, highlighting the benefits of new features such as mapping and video, and discuss the recent Motorola acquisition. Wes also shares advice for those considering a career transition, emphasizing the importance of purpose and thoughtful decision-making. Special thanks to our Hero Sponsor, Squad Life! Visit www.squad-life.com and tell them Tracy sent you.
On Scene First Ep 52: Tommy Bolin, FD Lieutenant
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 upcoming book, "Unseen Battles," which highlights the experiences of first responders and others on the front line of trauma. Special thanks to our Hero Sponsor, Squad Life! Visit www.squad-life.com and tell them Tracy sent you.
On Scene First Ep. 51: Reuben Ramirez, Executive Partner Success Manager at Versaterm
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. This discussion underscored the necessity for a cultural transformation to ensure comprehensive mental health support for first responders. Special thanks to our Hero Sponsor, Squad Life! Visit www.squad-life.com and tell them Tracy sent you.
On Scene First Ep. 50: Daniel DeYear, Deputy Fire Chief (Ret)
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.
On Scene First Ep 48: Brodie Hinckley, Comms Director Maine DPS
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 dispatchers do every day. Special thanks to our Hero Sponsor, Squad Life! Visit www.squad-life.com and tell them Tracy sent you.
On Scene First Ep. 49: Barry Furey, Public Safety Executive
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 just immediately after an incident but in the following months. Barry Furey has an extensive background in public safety, including roles as a 911 director in multiple states and as a fire officer. Special thanks to our Hero Sponsor, Squad Life! Visit www.squad-life.com and tell them Tracy sent you.
On Scene First Ep. 47: Officer Cory G. Owner, Squad Life
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 Sent you.
On Scene First Ep. 46: Deb Rozeboom, PMP, ENP, GISP, Product Manager Geocomm
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.
On Scene First Ep. 45: Monica Million, ENP, Founder Million Consulting Services
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 struggle. Visit www.millioncs.com and tell her Tracy sent you.”
On Scene First Ep. 44: Gordon MacFarlane, Performance Mindset Coach.
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 interpersonal relationships.
On Scene First Ep. 44: Sgt. Isaac Pruitt, 8 years old - NYPD
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, PA 17112
On Scene First Ep. 43: Keith Hanks: Mental health Advocate
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 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.
On Scene First Ep. 42 Stephen Powers, Executive Director #BuddyCheck:
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 information on all your NextGen 9-1-1 needs head on over to NGA 911 and tell them Tracy sent you.
On Scene First Ep. 41 On Scene First Ep. 41 Holly Williams, CPE, RPL, ENP, CMCP
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 all your NextGen 9-1-1 needs head on over to NGA 911 and tell them Tracy sent you.
On Scene First Ep. 40 Dominique Mathis, Broward Sheriff's Office and HELLO,911!™
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 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.
On Scene First Ep. 39 Cassie Sexton of First Responder Wellness
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 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.
On Scene First Ep. 38: A.K. Dozanti, Founder, Life Saver Wellness
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 NGA 911 and tell them Tracy sent you.
BONUS: The Best of 9 1-1
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 to NGA 911 and tell them Tracy sent you.
On Scene First Ep. 37 Jennifer Anderson, CEO/Founder First Responder Coaching
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.
On Scene First Ep. 36 James Lockerbie, Frontline Telecommunicator & 9-1-1 Saves Act Advocate!
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.