BUILT BY DISPATCHERS, FOR DISPATCHERS
Interview prep, training, and career resources for 911 dispatchers.
The next generation of dispatchers isn’t waiting for change — they’re creating it.
Where are you in your 911 career?
Aspiring dispatchers
Thinking about dispatch?
Find out what the job is really like, how hiring works, and how to stand out in your panel interview.
Current dispatchers
Already on the floor?
Real talk on training, culture, leadership, and growing your career, from dispatchers who’ve been there
Agencies and partners
Agency or partner?
Partner with us to reach current and future dispatchers, or bring our team to your center or conference.
Free
911 Dispatcher Career Guide
What the job is really like, how the hiring process works step by step, and how to find the agency that’s right for you.
$15.00
Winning Over the Panel Workbook
40+ real interview questions, example answers, and worksheets to build your own responses.
$100.00
Mock Panel Interview
A one-on-one practice interview with an experienced dispatcher, plus coaching feedback and 10 simulated 911 calls.
Meet the Team
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![A person with short dark hair smiling, wearing a black polo shirt with embroidered text, tan pants, a brown belt, and bracelets, standing with arms crossed against a plain light gray background.]()
Ashley Valenzuela | Director of Marketing & Impact
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![A woman with brown hair smiling, wearing a black polo shirt with embroidered text and a logo, standing with arms crossed against a plain light gray background.]()
Megan Wilske | Director of Engagement & Development
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![Portrait of a woman with long curly hair, smiling, wearing a black polo shirt with a name tag, standing against a plain gray background.]()
Dominique Mathis | Director of Leadership & Innovation
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![A woman with brown hair, tattoos on her arm, wearing a black shirt with a logo, and a colorful bead bracelet, standing with her arms crossed and smiling.]()
Kayla Bacon | Director of Wellness & Professional Support
“Realistic feedback, words of encouragement, helped ease anxiety and giving newcomers a sense of community”
-S.PThey Practiced. They Prepared.
They shared their knowledge of my local center. They also listened intently to my mock interview responses and provided me feedback and specific ways to improve my responses.
-M.NKayla helped me change a few of my situation questions to better highlight my skills in the answers. Great experience and it helped me!-J.P
The First Call Ready Podcast
Because the next generation isn’t waiting for change.
From the creator of Let’s Talk Dispatch. Hosts Ashley Valenzuela and Megan Wilske take on the challenges, culture, and conversations driving 911 dispatchers forward.
Thinking about a career in 911 dispatch?
Good call. Join our email list to get the free 911 Dispatcher Career Guide: What to Expect, How to Apply, How to Succeed.
It breaks down what the job is really like, walks you through the hiring process step by step, and helps you find the agency that’s right for you.
Questions
What is First Call Ready?
1
A professional development platform for 911 dispatchers, created by working dispatch professionals. We offer interview prep, training resources, mentorship, articles, and the First Call Ready Podcast.
Anyone in or around 911 dispatch: people thinking about the career, current dispatchers looking to grow, and agencies or companies that support the profession.
Who is it for?
2
Do you work with agencies?
3
Yes. We partner with agencies and companies on training, recruitment, speaking, and sponsorship. See partnerships.
How do I prepare for a 911 dispatcher interview?
4
Know the hiring process, practice answering with the STAR method, and rehearse out loud. Our Winning Over the Panel workbook has 40+ real interview questions with example answers, and our one-on-one mock panels let you practice with an experienced dispatcher before the real thing.
5
Is First Call Ready the same as The Raspy Dispatcher?
First Call Ready grew out of The Raspy Dispatcher and the Let’s Talk Dispatch podcast. Same mission, bigger team.