Big changes are here—The Director’s Dispatch is going live!

In this short but powerful episode, John Barney announces the next evolution of the podcast: live video. That’s right—raw, real conversations, face to face, unfiltered. Whether you're on shift or off the clock, you can now see the voices behind the mic. This is leadership like you’ve never seen it before.

In this episode, we’re joined by Alec Wons — 26 years old, former athlete turned public safety advocate, podcast host, and author. We talk about what most people avoid: burnout, doubt, failing forward, and how to lead without a title. Alec shares what it’s like getting doubted for being young, how he found purpose in the middle of burnout, and why mental health in public safety can’t be ignored. From building real trust with your team to finding your “why,” this episode is packed with leadership gold — plus some solid laughs (yes, Crumbl cookies came up). If you’re leading early, leading tired, or leading while figuring it all out — this one’s for you.

Welcome back to The Director's Dispatch for Season Two! In this episode, John Barney and Hilton Chapman dive into the powerful theme of "leading without a title" and what that means in today’s evolving 911 environment. They’re joined by special guest Abigail Pestitti—a rising public safety telecommunicator—who shares her unexpected entry into the field, her growth over the past year, and how she's already becoming a mentor to others. The team gets real about mentorship, growth, and the value of relationships in the dispatch center. This episode is packed with raw stories, leadership insights, and a fresh perspective from the floor. If you're ready to challenge what leadership looks like in public safety, this episode is your starting point.