Two of the most important issues facing PSAPs right now are transitioning to NG9-1-1 and securing their systems from cyber attacks. Learn how to be prepared at APCO's new training event Envision taking place in Austin, Texas, on January 16, 2018, and in Nashville, Tenn., on February 15, 2018.

Using a variety of simulations, scenarios and exercises, presenters will help attendees translate learning topics into practice. It's time to start preparing for the future of emergency communications. Attendees will earn seven CEUs.
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Today, the American Heart Association sent a letter of support to the Office of Management and Budget, the federal agency responsible for overseeing revisions to the Standard Occupational Classification System, urging reclassification of Public Safety Telecommunicators into the Protective Services Occupation category. The letter states "9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers, known collectively as Public Safety Telecommunicators, are a critical link in the cardiac arrest chain of survival. It is the Public Safety Telecommunicator, in partnership with the caller, who has the opportunity to identify a patient in cardiac arrest, provide the initial level of care by delivering CPR instructions to the caller, and quickly coordinate the appropriate level of help. The work performed by Public Safety Telecommunicators can make the difference between life and death." The letter concludes by saying "the AHA supports revision of the SOC to make it a more accurate statistical resource and to appropriately recognize the work performed by our nation’s 9-1-1 professionals."

APCO welcomes and appreciates the support of the AHA. APCO will continue providing updates on this important issue, and it will remain a priority for APCO until the federal officials get this right.

Check out these upcoming webinars starting in January.

• Active Listening: Can You Hear Me Now? – January 18, 2018
• Writing Effective Policy for the Comm Center: The ABCs and 123s – March 15, 2018
• Career Planning: It’s Not Just a Job – May 17, 2018
• Mentoring in the Comm Center: From Fledgling to High Flyer – July 19, 2018
• Setting Goals: A Goal Without a Plan Is Just a Wish! – September 20, 2018
• Time Management: Plan Ahead or Fall Behind! – November 15, 2018
  

Each webinar is worth one CEU. They are free to APCO members and $59 for non-members.
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Internet technology brings powerful tools to the public safety sector, but also creates risks, flaws and vulnerabilities for cybersecurity. APCO is hosting a one-day course on January 11, 2018, at its headquarters in Daytona Beach, Fla., to help you learn how to make your PSAP or communications center a more secure environment. Space is limited and you can save money by registering by November 17.
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On September 27, APCO met with representatives of FCC Chairman Pai’s Office and the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, as well as representatives from the wireless industry, to discuss the FCC’s 2016 Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) Report and Order. During the meeting, APCO reiterated its position that wireless carriers should not be permitted to delay implementation of embedded URLs and phone numbers in WEA messages, pointing out the value of WEA messages that facilitate access to information such as multimedia on websites related to an alert (e.g., a photo of a suspect). Since then, the nation’s five largest wireless carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, and US Cellular) have confirmed that their networks will be capable of providing enhanced WEA messages by the November 1 deadline as required by the FCC’s rules, noting that some devices, such as older "feature" phones, may not be able to take advantage of the enhancements.

Get ready for the cold weather heading your way. Fall and winter apparel including sweaters, jackets, cardigans and shrugs are all available at the APCO store. Start shopping now.

Darlene Hines, EMD Program/Sales Coordinator
Darlene joined the APCO Institute in September 2006 as Guidecard Coordinator. In 2012, she was promoted to EMD Program/Sales Coordinator, where she provides specialized support to current and prospective APCO EMD customers and technical support for EMD, fire and law enforcement guidecards and for APCO IntelliComm™ software.

Darlene and her husband, Robert, recently celebrated their 34^th wedding anniversary. She enjoys spending her time off with her husband and basset hound, Cody, and her daughter and soon-to-be son-in-law in North Carolina. Her favorite pastimes are trips to Gatlinburg, baking, gardening and watching old movies.

Gainesville Sun A new type of video camera that can be mounted on police officers' guns—some with the capability of alerting dispatchers when officers may need help—has sparked both interest and skepticism among public safety agencies and civil rights groups.

Kokomo Perspective Indiana has opted-in to the FirstNet network. "Indiana's first responders need fast, accurate information to keep Hoosiers safe," Indiana governor Eric J. Holcomb said. "This new communications network will help those on the front lines coordinate better and faster to serve and protect our citizens and communities."

The Forecaster Residents of Scarborough, Maine, will vote on November 7 to approve or deny the borrowing of $19.5 million to fund the construction of a new public safety building.

The Harvard Press The Nashoba Valley Regional Dispatch District in Harvard, Mass., has hired a new executive director, M. Ross Klun.

Washington Business Journal Loudoun County, Va., is the latest municipality to go live with Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP), a technology that automates communication between alarm monitoring central stations and 9-1-1 centers, resulting in improved accuracy and speed of emergency response.

FireFighterNation Burleigh County, N.D., voters will see on their June 2018 ballots a measure that would increase the 9-1-1 user fee from $1 to $1.50 per communications device.

StateTech Sports stadiums that are adding Wi-Fi access are setting the stage for smart cities.