At just 33 years old, Cheyenne Bedell has already built a remarkable career in public safety communications while raising a family of four children, ages 6 to 15. For Cheyenne, life is a constant balance between dedication at home and commitment to her community — both of which she handles with resilience, compassion and purpose.
Cheyenne began her journey with Hamilton County 9-1-1 at the age of 19. Encouraged by friends already in the field, she applied for a position while seeking stability as a young single parent. Although she had an interest in law enforcement, she recognized that dispatching offered a better fit for her life at the time. What started as a practical decision quickly grew into a long-term career, and this August will mark 14 years of service. Cheyenne is very active within her agency. She is a Communications Training Officer (CTO), a Telecommunicator Senior, creator and Chair of the Policy Review and Advisory Committee, and is also one of the Assistant Team Leaders of her agency’s IDU-TERT team.
Unlike some who enter the profession as a stepping stone, Cheyenne has remained dedicated to dispatching as her chosen path. She believes many are drawn to the field by a desire to make a difference and serve others — something she experiences firsthand every day. Working in a busy communications center, she thrives in an environment where no two days are ever the same, finding fulfillment in the unpredictability and purpose of the role.
Her daily routine reflects her strong sense of responsibility. Up early each morning, Cheyenne ensures her children are ready for school and that her grandmother is cared for before heading into her shift. By 6:45 a.m., she is at work, ready to take on whatever the day brings. It’s a demanding schedule, made even more complex by the non-traditional hours of both her job and her husband’s career in law enforcement.
As a Communications Training Officer (CTO), Cheyenne is deeply invested in the development of new telecommunicators. She prides herself on being approachable, supportive and resourceful — always willing to guide others or find answers when needed. She is passionate about improving the profession and hopes to continue growing into a supervisory role in the coming years.
Cheyenne also brings a unique energy to her center. Known for her positivity and creativity, she actively works to build morale and strengthen team connections. From organizing fun activities like a “ghost hunt” to introducing lighthearted traditions like dressing up a “porch goose,” she finds ways to bring people together and create a supportive work environment. Even on difficult days, she makes it a point to uplift those around her.
Like many in the field, Cheyenne recognizes the challenges facing the profession — particularly in recruitment and retention. She believes a lack of public understanding about the role contributes to fewer applicants, though increased outreach efforts are helping change that. She also acknowledges the reasons some leave the industry, including pay, work-life balance and mental health challenges. For her, improving these areas is key to sustaining the workforce long-term.
Over the course of her career, Cheyenne has witnessed significant advancements in technology, including new CAD systems and tools like RapidSOS, Prepared Live and AI-assisted call handling. While she doesn’t know exactly what the future holds, she is excited about the continued evolution of the field and its potential to better serve both responders and the public.
To those entering the profession, Cheyenne offers straightforward advice: stay focused, keep improving and don’t let negativity shape your path. She emphasizes that everyone in the field has a purpose and the ability to grow.
If given the opportunity to speak to the entire industry, her message would be clear — this work matters. Telecommunicators are the first line of help in someone’s worst moment. They are a critical link between the public and emergency responders, and their impact cannot be overstated.
Through nearly 14 years of service, Cheyenne Bedell has proven that dedication, adaptability and heart are at the core of what it means to answer the call.
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