Ryan Fessenden: 911 Dispatchers - Relentless and Unseen

For 25 years, Ryan Fessenden served as a 911 dispatcher for the City of Warren.  Answering life-or-death calls from both strangers and loved ones. In this episode, he shares how a detour turned into a lifelong mission in public safety, the emotional weight dispatchers carry, and the moment a call involving his close friend and now co-host changed everything.  Now retired, Ryan serves as Administrative Coordinator for the FST5 Program, connecting Michigan’s first responders and their families to the support they need. 

Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline workers and their families. NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member experiencing any crisis—whether work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or other challenges—reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or visit FST5.org for more information.