The Unsung Heroes

In episode 8 of “When The Call Hits Home,” hosts Ashlee Gethner and Jennifer Woosley Sailor sit down with Brittany Collins, a devoted listener and someone deeply familiar with the first responder lifestyle. Brittany’s unique perspective as a former dispatcher and daughter of a firefighter sheds light on the unseen challenges and invaluable contributions of those who answer emergency calls.

Brittany’s passion for dispatching is apparent from her first words. She fell in love with the role because it enabled her to assist people in various urgent situations and opened up a line of communication with her father, whom she admired deeply. As a dispatcher, Brittany handled roles like police, fire, medical, and hospital dispatching, finding profound fulfillment in the diversity and daily challenges. Her story underscores the vital yet often unrecognized role dispatchers play in emergency services.

The conversation soon turns to the unique lifestyle and challenges faced by families of first responders. Brittany recounts her childhood, vividly recalling visits to the firehouse, the camaraderie among her father’s colleagues, and the humorous exchanges that painted a picture of her father’s work environment. These memories were not only nostalgic but molded her perspective on life and work ethic.

Ashlee and Jennifer express their gratitude towards dispatchers, dubbing them the unsung heroes of emergency services. Brittany echoes their sentiments, sharing her admiration for the police and first responder environment. Despite her admiration, she candidly discusses the fears and confusions of children with parents in high-risk jobs, drawing on personal experiences, including her father receiving a call about the suicide of a young person her age.

An emotional highlight of the episode is Brittany’s recollection of 9/11 and its impact on her family. Her father’s quiet approach to his work sometimes meant isolating painful experiences to protect the family. Brittany reflects on her father’s work ethic and dedication, remembering the overwhelming support and admiration he received from colleagues upon his passing.

Transitioning to her own career, Brittany discusses her journey as a dispatcher and her interest in forensics. However, her life took a significant turn as she embraced her role as a stay-at-home mom to five kids. Brittany reveals the complexities of balancing preparedness, multitasking, and intentional living, both in her professional and personal life. She touches on the difficulties of remaining strong amidst personal challenges, particularly while dealing with her father’s passing and managing household responsibilities with her husband away.

Brittany emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and honesty, sharing the need to admit when things are not going well—a stark contrast to the stoic communication style that characterized her father’s generation. Jennifer and Ashlee find common ground here, discussing the evolution in communicating and interpreting strength across generations.

In a heartwarming part of the conversation, Brittany shares an incident where her parents’ quick problem-solving skills came to the rescue during a car breakdown, illustrating the dependability and strong work ethic she inherited from them. She also stresses the significance of a strong reputation and character in the fire service, attributes that define her father and continue to guide her life choices. Jennifer and Ashlee resonate with this outlook, sharing their own experiences and how their paths have been influenced by their parents.

In this episode, “When The Call Hits Home” offers a poignant exploration of the personal and professional lives of first responder families. Brittany Collins’ heartfelt stories and reflections provide an enriching perspective, honoring the unsung heroes who make our world a safer place.