Erica Lynne Sewell
Erica Sewell is an accomplished Emergency Communications Supervisor with over 20 years of dedicated service at the City of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She expertly manages emergency and non-emergency calls, using the Central Square CAD system to triage and prioritize incidents with precision and speed. Erica’s ability to multitask—simultaneously monitoring multiple radio channels while coordinating medical, fire, and police responses—has been critical to ensuring public safety and efficient emergency response.
With a strong foundation in education and civil engineering studies from the University of Central Oklahoma and Tennessee Technological University, Erica brings analytical thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills to her work. Her background allows her to approach complex emergency situations with a methodical and calm mindset, ensuring the best possible outcomes for the community she serves.
Beyond her technical expertise, Erica is recognized for her leadership, critical thinking, and unwavering dedication to public service. She upholds and cultivates a teamwork-focused environment, mentoring her team, training the next generation of call takers and telecommunicators, and fostering collaboration to maintain the highest standards in emergency communications. Her commitment has left a lasting impact on the City of Murfreesboro.
• Unviversity of Central Oklahoma
• International Acadamies of Emergency Dispatch
• Angels for Protectors, Supporter for Iron Pig Motorcycle Club (First Responders), Caregiver for late father and assist sister with caring for Mother.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to strong family values, a strong work ethic, a genuine willingness to support people in their darkest moments, mindfulness of the needs of others, and a leadership style that inspires hard-working individuals to give their best.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to be accountable in your actions, consistently do your best, arrive early, and conduct yourself with honesty and sincerity. Make time to care for your own well-being—self-care is essential for long-term success—and be intentional about leaving the workday at the door to maintain balance and perspective. Above all, protect your integrity; it is something no one should ever be able to take from you.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this industry to understand that it is not for the faint of heart. While we may not receive the public recognition or appreciation often afforded to police officers and firefighters, the responsibility and emotional weight of this work are just as significant. We don’t do this for the paycheck; we do it because we have a servant’s heart.
It’s essential to advocate for yourself, and as a supervisor, to advocate firmly and consistently for your team. Protecting mental health must be a priority. If your communications center is not unionized, take the initiative to explore options for inclusion under the public safety umbrella, including eligibility for earlier retirement. Make sure that access to Employee Assistance Programs and professional mental health support, such as therapy, is available and actively encouraged.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in our field right now is retaining skilled personnel and managing the toll this job takes on the mental health of those who answer the call. It’s a demanding role that requires resilience, and the stress can accumulate over time. At the same time, this challenge presents an opportunity to strengthen support systems, improve training, and create programs that promote well-being — ultimately helping people stay in the field longer and perform at their best.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life center on family, community, and meaningful experiences. I deeply care for my mother, sister, and my nieces and nephew, and strive to show that love every day. I also have a passion for travel, which allows me to explore new perspectives and cultures. Giving back to the community is equally important to me — I actively support the Iron Pigs Motorcycle Club and am a member of the Moose Club, helping with their charitable efforts and the positive impact they create.