APCO scholarships are now open for applications! Funds can be used towards APCO's leadership programs or professional development courses. Submit your applications by the deadlines below:
APCO is also now accepting Emergency Communications Center and Technology Awards nominations. These awards honor those who have demonstrated the highest level of personal and professional conduct in public safety communications as well as ECCs for their use of technological advancements and the demonstrated benefit conferred on employees and the citizens they serve. The deadline to submit nominations is April 1.
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In case you missed it, at the end of 2023, APCO welcomed a new Senate bill – the Enhancing First Response Act (S. 3556) – that would fix the federal classification of 9-1-1 professionals, improve the information shared during 9-1-1 outages, and examine the enhancements being made for 9-1-1 calls made from multi-line telephone systems. This Senate bill complements the House version of the 9-1-1 SAVES Act, creating alternative strategic paths for achieving reclassification. APCO worked closely with the bill’s co-sponsors to develop the language and will continue to collaborate with them on the strategy for achieving several improvements for public safety communications. APCO also published a blog recapping nearly 10 years of advocacy to fix the federal classification. The blog reflects on the various arguments APCO has rebutted and the substantial efforts of our membership and supporters to effect this common-sense change.
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The first-ever 9-1-1 Wellness Summit is just a month away! Don't miss this event that will equip you with strategies to mitigate stress and trauma, allowing you to better save lives and live well. Join us February 6 in Atlanta. Check out the full program and register now.
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On January 2, APCO submitted comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) regarding implementation of the National Spectrum Strategy, which was developed to ensure federal spectrum policy advances U.S. innovation, economic vitality and security. APCO’s comments focused on how NTIA and other agencies should take public safety considerations into account when implementing the Strategy. Among other things, APCO urged NTIA to consider public safety’s unique needs for access to highly reliable, interference-free spectrum when assessing the demand for spectrum and to ensure spectrum sharing mechanisms are proven in advance through real-world testing to prevent interference and promptly identify and eliminate interference when it occurs.
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The online course Surviving Stress is designed for emergency communications professionals, focusing on the challenges and demands of 9-1-1. This comprehensive training equips participants with the skills to identify stress and effective measures to alleviate stressful situations encountered in emergency communications work environments. The course covers a range of topics, including recognizing signs and symptoms of stress, intervention strategies, handling critical incidents, addressing post-traumatic stress disorder and providing telecommunicators with tools for effective stress management. Worth 8 CDEs.
Upcoming online course dates: 1/24 - 2/13 | 2/21 - 3/12 | 3/6 - 3/26 | More dates
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The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) Missing Kids Readiness Program (MKRP) requires member agencies to demonstrate preparedness to respond effectively to reports of missing and exploited children. NCMEC recognizes the following emergency communications centers (ECCs) for completing the training and policy review in 2023: Illinois Valley (Illinois) Dispatch Center; Paragould (Arkansas) Emergency Services; Onondaga County (New York) Department of Emergency Communications/911; Scotts Bluff County (Nebraska) Consolidated Communications Center; Bloomington (Illinois) Emergency Communications Center; Coushatta Tribal Police Department Communications Team (Louisiana); and the Soldotna (Arkansas) Public Safety Communications Center.
Learn more about NCMEC and MKRP
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On October 22, 2023, Telecommunicator Misty Reid with the Metro Nashville Department of Emergency Communications received a 9-1-1 call for a 79-year-old female who had fallen due to being short of breath. During the call, the patient became unconscious and stopped breathing. CPR was required. Reid provided outstanding customer service during this incident. Her level of professionalism, compassion and empathy was absolutely outstanding.
Read more
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ANF
The law that took effect Jan. 1 requires all 9-1-1 public safety telecommunicators to train in Telecommunicator Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (T-CPR) to help save lives over the phone.
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Fox 23
Dylon Richardson was recognized for “going the extra mile” by serving as the communications training officer and assisting with area fire protection districts.
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The Joplin Globe
The county will spend $15 million to improve radio communication between police, fire and EMS.
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Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News
Cherokee County E-911 Director Shane Bonebrake explained how he tries to make telecommunicators’ work conditions comfortable through quiet rooms, décor and counseling.
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The National Regional Planning Council (NRPC), a collaborative network consisting of both 700 MHz & 800 MHz public safety Regional Planning Committees as established by the Federal Communications Commission is pleased to announce its election of new officers for 2023-2025.
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