It was a typical December night in the PSAP—non-stop calls, holiday staffing in effect with Christmas just days away. I was away from my radio trainee, handling queued 9-1-1 calls, when I received a call that would stay with me forever. A hotel security officer on the Las Vegas Strip reported several fatalities outside. In disbelief, I routed the call for service, and suddenly, the 9-1-1 queue began to overflow. That’s when I realized the call was on my trainee’s channel. I rushed to join her, and together we managed a rapidly escalating situation as the channel filled with frantic updates. I’ll never forget the first arriving officer’s description—bodies strewn across the sidewalk and road, a tragic chaos unfolding over hours. By morning, the event and my radio traffic were being replayed on national news. In the days that followed, as I processed the enormity of that night, I gained a profound appreciation for the vital, demanding role 9-1-1 professionals play every day.
Since leaving the PSAP where I began my career—and after 14 years of invaluable frontline experience—I’ve had the honor of visiting centers across the country and engaging with the dedicated individuals who are the voice behind the badge. Every center is unique, yet they all share a steadfast commitment to serving people and saving lives. Now, as Carbyne’s Director of Public Safety, I remain dedicated to elevating the issues our 9-1-1 professionals face—from advocating for reclassification and advancing technology by ensuring greater access to cutting-edge solutions, to promoting diversity in 9-1-1 leadership. These efforts lie at the heart of our mission to support those who serve on the front lines.
In this new role, I will lead Carbyne’s Public Safety team to shape our impact on the industry. Our mission is clear: by building strong relationships with first responders and public safety organizations, optimizing workflows, and driving the adoption of innovative solutions, we aim to transform emergency response and community safety. I’m committed to ensuring that our technology not only meets today’s challenges but also anticipates the needs of tomorrow, ultimately establishing Carbyne as a trusted partner and leader in the field.
Recent public conversations have underscored an essential truth: 9-1-1 professionals are first responders. Despite misconceptions that have long classified dispatchers as clerical workers, their work is far more complex, demanding, and critical. I welcome these discussions because they provide the momentum we need to push for the proper reclassification and recognition that these dedicated professionals deserve.
Leveraging my experience and our strong industry partnerships, I plan to drive meaningful change. A key initiative is our continued collaboration with the National Emergency Number Association on the annual Pulse of 911 survey—a powerful tool that provides groundbreaking data on the challenges and successes within our field. This data is essential for engaging congressional leaders, ensuring that policy discussions are informed by the real-world experiences of 9-1-1 professionals.
Beyond policy advocacy, Carbyne’s vision is to support our first responders through practical, on-the-ground initiatives. We are dedicated to continuing our sponsorship and scholarship programs to broaden access to educational opportunities for 9-1-1 personnel, while continuously advancing the technology that empowers them to perform at their best.
By combining cutting-edge solutions with unwavering advocacy, we can ensure that our professionals are not only recognized for their vital work but are also equipped with the best tools available to save lives every day. Together, we will champion the issues that matter most and drive the changes necessary to support those at the very heart of public safety.
