Episode
Craig Tinneny - The Hidden Struggles of 911 Operators
- Podcast
- TLC Connections
- Published
- Jan 27, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2711
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://rss.com/podcasts/tlc-connections/2491173
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Summary
SUMMARY: In this powerful episode of TLC Connections, Julie Knudsen welcomes 911 dispatcher Craig Tinneny for a conversation about trauma, peer support, and the unseen emotional toll of being a first responder behind the headset. Craig shares how his work in emergency communications—especially a series of tragic calls, including one involving his own family—brought him to a breaking point. He opens up about the dark places he went, the support systems that helped him recover, and how he now serves as a lifeline for others through Montgomery County’s CISM Team. The conversation explores what it means to be human in a profession that demands composure in chaos, how stigma keeps people from seeking help, and why supporting dispatchers is critical to the overall health of our first responder systems. Listeners will leave with a deeper understanding of the challenges dispatchers face, the importance of peer support, and why no one—no matter their job title—should have to struggle alone. GUEST BIO: Craig Tinneny is a 911 dispatcher in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, with over 16 years of experience in emergency communications. A U.S. Army veteran and committed member of Montgomery County’s Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team, Craig is a passionate advocate for first responder wellness. After navigating his own mental health crisis, Craig became a peer support leader—supporting police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and fellow dispatchers through some of their hardest moments. He now serves as both a behind-the-scenes responder and a visible voice for change, pushing back against stigma and building bridges between crisis work and healing. SPONSOR: The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth (TLC) is a social enterprise company based in the Greater Philadelphia Area. F…