Christy Perez recently retired after an incredible career as a 911 dispatcher in Tennessee, and she didn’t just do the job — she changed it for the better. Known for her leadership, heart, and relentless commitment to doing things the right way, Christy left her center as a true legend.

In this episode, Christy pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to be a dispatcher. She shares unforgettable stories from behind the headset, the pressure of being the calm voice in chaos, and how dispatchers quietly shape outcomes every single day. We also talk about the transition into retirement — the emotions, the identity shift, and what life feels like after years of serving on the front lines without ever being seen.

This is a must-listen for dispatchers, first responders, and anyone who wants to understand the unseen heroes who answer the call before anyone else.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jorge Castro, a paramedic with over 30 years of service who has spent his career showing up for people on the worst days of their lives. From his early years with AMR to his current role with San Bernardino County Fire, Jorge has built a reputation that’s rare in emergency services: unwavering kindness, humility, and genuine compassion for every patient and coworker he encounters.

After three decades of trauma, heartbreak, and relentless calls, the question becomes unavoidable. How does someone stay this good for this long? Jorge opens up about how he has managed to protect his heart without hardening it, the mindset that has sustained him, and why choosing kindness is a daily, intentional act in a profession that often rewards emotional armor.

One of the most moving moments of this conversation is the story of Jorge being fired from AMR and what happened next. Coworkers, firefighters, hospital staff, and agencies across the region united to sign a petition demanding his return. It wasn’t about politics or procedure. It was about character. That collective response says more about who Jorge is than any résumé ever could.

This episode is a reminder that how you treat people matters, that legacy is built in small moments, and that even in the darkest environments, light can still lead the way.

🎧 Listen in for a conversation about service, resilience, humility, and what it truly means to be respected by an entire community.

This week, we sit down with local firefighter-turned-paramedic Josh Grandinetti, who opens up about the injury that ended his fire career, the transition that followed, and the deep work he’s done to stay grounded through it all. Josh gets candid about trauma, coping, and what real mindfulness looks like in the life of a first responder.

He’s so dialed in on helping others rise above their struggles that he launched Foundation Fortified—a powerful resource for building resilience and mental strength.

Give this episode a listen, reach out to Foundation Fortified, and tell them After Watch sent you.