BUILT BY DISPATCHERS, FOR DISPATCHERS
The next generation of dispatchers isn’t waiting for change —
they’re creating it.
Interview prep, training, and career resources for 911 dispatchers, built by dispatchers.
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
At the start of my career—somewhere between back-to-back 911 calls and far too much caffeine—I realized the world needs more dispatchers. So we launched First Call Ready to strengthen those already in the headset and guide those stepping into it.
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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
From dispatcher to management, I’ve seen it all—the chaos, the staffing battles, and more CAD crashes than I can count. One thing is clear: dispatchers need support, training, and growth. First Call Ready exists to empower every dispatcher, whether you’re just starting or have decades behind the headset. -
![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 Development & Innovation
I found my calling behind the headset, turning my own healing into support for others. Today, I’m dedicated to empowering the next generation of public-safety telecommunicators with resilience, compassion, and purpose. -
![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
I have invested in Public Safety across California and Oregon, building a career rooted in passion for the First, First Responder. What started as a volunteer opportunity as a teenage Police Explorer quickly turned into a lifelong calling. Today, I’m dedicated not only to the work itself, but to improving the communications center experience—championing wellness, resilience, and creative initiatives that support and uplift my peers.
Because the next generation isn’t waiting for change - they’re creating it.
From the creator of Let’s Talk Dispatch comes First Call Ready — the podcast empowering 911 professionals to shape the future of emergency communications. Hosts Ashley Valenzuela and Megan Wilske take on the challenges, culture, and conversations driving the next generation of 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.
Is First Call Ready the same as The Raspy Dispatcher?
4
First Call Ready grew out of The Raspy Dispatcher and the Let’s Talk Dispatch podcast. Same mission, bigger team.