The role of the telecommunicator has transformed from call taker to real-time information navigator: a professional who manages dozens of inputs, interprets live data, coaches panicked callers, anticipates responder needs and makes high-stakes decisions with limited information.

On March 11, Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ted Budd (R-NC) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced the Next Generation 9-1-1 Act in the U.S. Senate. APCO International celebrates the introduction of another bipartisan effort to strengthen the nation’s commitment to modern, resilient emergency communications.

Katherine Rogers didn’t enter public safety as a stepping stone to something else. From the very beginning, she knew exactly where she wanted to be: behind the headset.