Tucson 9-1-1: Do The Right Thing! is a deeply personal, sometimes fiery, and always passionate insider account of the rise and fall of Tucson’s emergency communications center. Why was this an important book for you to write?

9-1-1 service is so critical to emergency services, but it suffers everywhere from neglect for political reasons. A little advocacy could easily turn this around, but there are no advocates. I want people to know how they can save lives simply by letting government officials know that we are watching. I want people to become advocates. After 14 years, the 9-1-1 service of Tucson has only degraded even more. Why is this tolerated?

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

Anyone would imagine that doing great service for people who call 9-1-1 is automatic, a no-brainer. However, the reality is far different. I had this personal experience, but this same kind of truth is paralleled everywhere. I felt it was important to report the facts and quote the actual communications because readers could accurately judge the behavior of myself and all involved. Some might see me as a troublemaker, but then they will have to wonder that no one else was speaking for the victims calling 9-1-1 and dying quietly. Someone should speak for them.

How did you balance the need to be honest and authentic with the need to protect your privacy and that of others in your memoir?

I am not sure that I protected anyone. I deliberately avoided naming some people in some situations to prevent unfairness and harm to them. Maybe, I was too protective, but I don’t think anyone would say so. It’s a memoir, so I could not be honest and still protect myself.

What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?

Demand what you value from your elected officials because politics governs what happens. Advocacy is necessary. Nothing is easy.

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