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Gold Flame 2025 Speakers List
Tracy Eldridge
Tuesday Nov 11 9:00 AM
Tracy Eldridge launched her own company and podcast “On Scene First” after 25 years and counting in public safety. On Scene First focuses on educating public safety professionals on must-have technology tools and mental health resources to help save lives on both sides of the call. From dispatcher to chief dispatcher, Tracy spent many years serving her community in rural Massachusetts. Tracy still serves as a call firefighter/EMT on her local call fire department and is a lead instructor of their Fire/EMS Explorer post. Tracy spent four years at RapidSOS where she played a pivotal role in the delivery of device-based locations to 9-1-1 and field responders. With a passion for public speaking, Tracy has also been recognized nationally for her efforts to train telecommunicators and bringing awareness to PTSD and public safety through conference training sessions, webinars, and keynote presentations. In 2020, Tracy was proudly named the NG911 Institute “Industry Professional of the Year.”
Tracy Ertl
Tuesday Nov 11 10:00 AM
Tracy C. Ertl owns and operates HeroLight Training, LLC, a training & leadership company for our 911 heroes. Tracy spent three decades as a 911 professional taking and supervising life-saving calls, bringing that heart-pounding relevancy and perspective into the training courses created by HeroLight Training LLC. She’s a retired APCO Institute adjunct Instructor.
Doug Showalter
Tuesday Nov 11 11:00 AM
Doug retired after a distinguished 30-year career with the California Highway Patrol, serving in various leadership roles across the state. Among his key accomplishments was leading the full restructuring of the Statewide Communications Training Academy. For more than 18 years, he has established a national reputation as a dynamic and insightful speaker, known for integrating innovative strategies into public safety communications.
Dru Clarke
Tuesday Nov 11 1:00 PM
Dru Clarke started as a telecommunicator with Fairfax County in 2013 where he became a calltaker, police and fire dispatcher, CTO, DCJS instructor, EMDi, quality assurance specialist, Training Instructor, and Operations Supervisor. Dru has a passion for the people, and through his instructorships he creates impactful continuous educational seminars that inspire lasting change. He is proactive and personable, with an expertise in public speaking and workplace momentum. He creates, coordinates, and implements new ideas and trainings seamlessly into the workplace. With his keen eye for detail, he transforms missions and goals into action. He puts people before policy, culture before strategy, and receives a "Return on Influence" with each employee he engages. Leading with love, courage, and vulnerability, Dru carves out brave new spaces within the workplace where all can be seen and feel included. He is a catalyst for change, compass for truth, and curator of innovation. In 2020, he launched his training firm ChangeTalk where he teaches a variety of leadership topics to industry professionals. Today, Dru is a Training Manager with Carbyne, the worlds largest provider of advanced mobile location services. With Carbyne, Dru hopes to provide front line call takers and dispatchers with the NextGen911 solutions that will enable and empower them to get the right help to the right people every single time.
Dominique Mathis
Tuesday, Nov 11 2:00 PM
For nearly two decades, Dominique Mathis has been a notable leader, trainer, and trailblazer in
emergency communications management. She is an expert specializing in public safety
telecommunications and human performance technology.
Her personal story and the trauma she has witnessed and experienced in her life inspired her to
"break the cycle"; and help those in need. Driven by courage and passion, she turned this
inspiration into a successful career in public safety communications. Her vision, HELLO,911!®,
builds on her foundational platform, not only to share her story but also to create a lasting legacy
for 9-1-1 professionals around the world.
In 2018, Mathis received the prestigious Florida Sheriff’s Association Dispatcher of the Year
award, becoming the first recipient of this esteemed recognition at her agency.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education K-12 and a Master of Science
in Adult Education and Human Resource Development.
Passionate and efficient, Mathis believes in the importance of sharing your story: "Share your
story every chance you get, because you may not get to share it one day."
Dawn Shumway
Tuesday Nov 11 3:00 PM
Dawn Shumway is currently a 9-1-1 public safety manager with Ada County Sheriff's Office in Idaho. She has spent 18 years as a 911 dispatcher and truly love what she does. She also teaches with the Denise Amber Lee Foundation.
Dr. Leah Kaylor
Tuesday Nov 11 4:00 PM
Dr. Leah Kaylor, Ph.D., MSCP is a board-certified clinical and prescribing psychologist specializing in sleep for law enforcement, first responders, military personnel, and veterans. Known as the “Sleep Expert” by the FBI, she translates cutting-edge sleep science into practical strategies for high-stress, high-performance professions.
JC Ferguson
Wednesday Nov 12 9:00 AM
JC Ferguson is currently Commander over the Training Academy and Continuing Education for the Communications division of Austin-Travis Co EMS. His past experience includes service industry management, pavement engineering and emergency public service with experience in fire fighting, law enforcement, EMS and communications/dispatch.
Brandi Powell
Wednesday Nov 12 10:00 AM
Brandi Powell is a highly respected professional with a unique blend of expertise in emergency dispatch and ministerial care. With over 15 years of dispatch experience, Brandi Powell has firsthand knowledge of the demands and challenges faced by 9-1-1 dispatchers. In addition to her extensive dispatch background, Brandi Powell also possesses 13 years of experience in ministry including certification as a Law Enforcement Chaplain, bringing a deep understanding of the spiritual and emotional needs that underpin human experiences.
Halcyon Frank
Wednesday Nov 12 11:00 AM
Halcyon Frank is a trainer and public speaker with a decade of experience as a 911 dispatcher. Combining real-world insights with academic expertise, Halcyon holds a degree in Training and Development and is certified as both an Emergency Number Professional (ENP) by the National Emergency Number Association and an Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) by the Association for Talent Development. She also continues to be a member of the frontline, dispatching at a small center in eastern Nebraska.
Jen Poole, ENP
Wednesday Nov 12 1:00 PM
Jen Poole, ENP, brings 23 years of experience in the public safety community. She began her
career in 2002 as a 911 Communications Operator with the Seminole County Fire Department,
where she gained critical experience in the emergency response management working her way
to Supervisor during her 14 years in the center. In 2018, she joined APCO International as a
Software Sales Coordinator, supporting a large membership base and promoting public safety
solutions. In 2019, Jennifer joined RapidSOS, as a Regional Public Safety Manager, and also
worked as a Public Safety Business Development Manager and Senior Regional Manager. Her
work there showcased her strong leadership and business development skills, contributing to
significant regional and organizational growth for over 4 years. Currently, Jen serves as
Regional Account Manager at INdigital, leveraging her deep industry knowledge to drive sales
and deliver impactful solutions to public safety agencies. Jen has spoken at countless
Conferences and events and has a passion for the 911 community that makes this profession
what it is today.
Shantelle Oliver
Wednesday Nov 12 2:00 PM
As the founder of ASO Leadership Solutions, Shantelle partners with agencies, businesses, and
professional associations nationwide to deliver transformative training and workshops. With 25
years in emergency communications, she equips leaders to lead boldly with emotional
intelligence, resilience, and empathy, creating cultures of trust, readiness, and lasting impact.
Casey Flemings
Wednesday Nov 12 3:00 PM
Casey Flemings is a Training and Quality Assurance Specialist at Hamilton County ECD. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Business, ENP, CMCP, and INCM certifications, and is an APCO Certified Instructor. With experience in multiple roles in Emergency Communications since 2011, her passion is teaching financial wellness to first responders.
JaCorey Glaude
Wednesday, November 12 4:00 PM
JaCorey R. Glaude is a dynamic, forward-thinking 9-1-1 leader with over a decade of frontline experience, blending innovation and technology to advance public safety. He holds ENP, RPL, CMCP, and numerous other industry designations. As the 9-1-1 Education Manager at GovWorx and a consultant with Omni Public Safety Group, he drives training initiatives and champions operational excellence. JaCorey remains active on the frontline at HCESD 11, teaches at Houston Community College, and serves as a NENA Instructor. He is an engaged industry contributor, serving as a Commercial Advisor, on the APCO International CAC, and on NENA’s Education Advisory Board and DEI Special Committee. JaCorey proudly identifies as “Unconventional.”
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