Peer Support Group
meet YOUR PEER SUPPORT team
UPSHUR COUNTY
Kimbra WACHOB
Emergency Telecommunications Professional
Certified APCO Instructor
CISM Trained
CIT Instructor
I bring over 18 years of experience in Emergency Telecommunications and a deep commitment to mental health and crisis response. I’m a Certified APCO Instructor since 2009, I assist with Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for both 911 professionals and law enforcement; combining technical expertise with real-world perspective. I’m also CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) trained and have served on the West Virginia APCO Board for six years, as well as the WV 988 Coalition Board.
Drawing from both personal and professional experience, I approach every training with honesty and authenticity, addressing the often-overlooked intersection of public safety, addiction, and mental health. My work continues to advocate for greater support and understanding for those in crisis—both in the field and beyond.
LEWIS COUNTY
Keith Talbert
Deputy Fire Chief - Weston Fire Department
Coach
I bring more than 20 years of experience in the fire service, with 15 of those years serving at the chief officer level. Throughout my career, I’ve had the responsibility of leading teams, making critical decisions under pressure, and helping shape the next generation of responders.
In my current role as Assistant Director of the Lewis-Gilmer 911 Center, I operate at the intersection of all emergency services—law enforcement, fire, EMS, and telecommunicators. This perspective has given me a comprehensive understanding of how each discipline functions on its own and, more importantly, how they must work together when it matters most.
Every day, I see the demands this profession places on the people behind the badge, the radio, and the apparatus. That’s why I place a strong emphasis on mental health, resiliency, and crisis intervention for first responders. The job doesn’t end when the call is over, and neither should the support.
With deep family roots in emergency services, this isn’t just a career; it’s personal.
I am committed to ensuring that those who serve are not only trained and prepared, but also supported, healthy, and ready—mentally and physically—for whatever the next call brings.