Meet Ricardo

The Atlantic APCO 2024 Conference Committee is excited to welcome Ricardo Martinez to Maine, as the  Keynote Speaker.

Ricardo Martinez is a storyteller, author, and the host and creator of Within the Trenches- True Stories from the 9-1-1 Dispatchers Who Live Them, a podcast based on the experience of being a 9-1-1 dispatcher. He is a former 9-1-1 dispatcher and supervisor of 13 years, and is now the head of Within the Trenches Media, with 22 years of public safety experience. In August 2016, Ricardo started the #IAM911 movement that spread from the United States to Canada, the U.K., and Australia. Its popularity and success have brought the Thin Gold Line into the spotlight and have opened the eyes of millions to what 9-1-1 dispatchers deal with daily.

2024 Keynote Segments

Keep Broadcasting Your Message

Your 9-1-1 story. It’s an important one. Have you shared it with the world? You may not think of it as important but think about what you do.

You answer the call, the most important part of 9-1-1. It starts with you and every call you take is a new story in your career. This Keynote will share stories from heroes like you.

The stories were recorded for the Within the Trenches podcast, a podcast that highlights 9-1-1 dispatchers, their stories, and promotes continuing education. We will also visit the #IAM911 movement, how it started and the stories that make it up. This is an inspirational look at how your voice can make a difference.

Imagine Listening

 

 

“I heard your last breath the night you flipped your four-wheeler.”

This story launched the #IAM911 Movement. A movement that was started to bring awareness to the reclassification of 9-1-1 professionals, but quickly turned into peer support.

Imagine Listening continues this through the power of storytelling. Attendees will share their #IAM911 stories during the first half and the second half will be Open Mic where we share the lighter side of dispatch.

Attend, join the movement and share a story…