National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week 2018 starts on Sunday, April 8. How will you be celebrating the incredible people who work in your emergency communications centers? Get entered in a drawing for one of five $20 Visa gift cards when you tell us about your plans or submit a story that demonstrates the work of public safety telecommunicators.
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On April 2, APCO met with representatives from the wireless industry, NENA and the Federal Communications Commission to discuss the evolving 9-1-1 ecosystem in which smartphone apps and supplemental data solutions can supplement and, in some cases, supplant information provided by wireless carriers with 9-1-1 calls. The parties encouraged the Commission to issue guidance so that any testing, trialing or use of 9-1-1 apps or supplemental data solutions do not have unintended consequences that may adversely impact existing 9-1-1 capabilities or create confusion among PSAPs or members of the public. Read a letter describing the meeting.
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As you make your plans to attend APCO 2018, don’t forget to register for one of the Institute's pre-conference training courses. And be sure to book the hotel nights you need to participate. Reduced conference hotel rates have been extended to accommodate pre-conference course participants. For more information
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APCO's Certified Public-Safety Executive (CPE) Program is enabling professionals from around the country to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to lead our industry forward. If you share their passion for effectively addressing the many challenges we’re facing in public safety communications, apply today for the next CPE class, which begins July 4. The application deadline is May 15 and seats are limited. For more information
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 Gary J. Thomas is the Assistant Chief/9-1-1 Coordinator for Allegheny County in Pittsburgh, PA, and has been in public safety communications for over 34 years. Allegheny County employs over 250 telecommunicators and provides dispatch services to 95 law enforcement departments, 169 fire departments and 45 EMS agencies. Thomas has been an APCO adjunct instructor since 2001 and teaches both live and online courses for the APCO Institute. He graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Science and holds an Associate’s Degree in Public Safety Communications from Jacksonville State University, AL. Thomas enjoys fishing, camping and the outdoors.
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North Fulton Neighbor
The suburban Atlanta police department has earned Public Safety Communications Accreditation from the Commission of Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.
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The Citizen
The NG9-1-1 technology will allow dispatchers to receive video and texts as they pinpoint callers’ locations.
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Greene County Record
The county faces a multi-million price tag to update poorly performing public safety communications equipment.
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KRSL
The importance of recognizing and celebrating the hard work of these dedicated professionals at every level is immeasurable and Russell County Communications personnel are honored and grateful to the City of Russell for recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
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My Eastern Oregon
Governor Brown has proclaimed April 8th through 14th to be Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Oregon. Locally, Lola Communications Manager of the Union County dispatch spoke about the dedication that the local dispatchers have.
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