The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 Emergency Communications Center Awards and Technology Leadership Awards. The winners will be recognized during the Opening General Session at APCO 2025, APCO’s Annual Conference & Expo, taking place July 27-30 in Baltimore, MD.
Silent Key: Donna Marie Bird
Longtime APCO member Donna Bird passed away after 48 years of distinguished service to Fairfax County’s Department of Public Safety Communications (DPSC), helping to shape both the foundation and future of 9-1-1 in the county.
APCO International and Dubai Police Headquarters Enter Into Strategic Partnership
Today at the World Police Summit, APCO International signed a partnership agreement with Dubai Police Headquarters to collaborate on advancing the agency’s role as a respected leader in the public safety communications industry.
Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) Supports 911 SAVES Act
The Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) wrote a letter expressing strong support for the Supporting Accurate Views of Emergency Services (911 SAVES) Act (H.R. 637). In the letter, they also supported the inclusion of its provisions in the Enhancing First Response Act (S. 725).
Senate Commerce Committee Advances Reclassification Bill; More Work Ahead
On April 30, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation voted to advance the bipartisan Enhancing First Response Act (S.725) to the full Senate for consideration. This bill, among other provisions, would direct the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to reclassify public safety telecommunicators as a “Protective Service Occupation” in the Standard Occupational Classifications (SOC) catalog. […]
APCO Welcomes Legislation to Help Provide Health and Wellness Resources for 9-1-1 Professionals
On March 17, the Providing Resources and Occupational Training for Emotional Crisis and Trauma in 911 Act, or the ‘‘PROTECT 9-1-1 Act,” was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. 9-1-1 professionals routinely face significant trauma as they work tirelessly to protect and save lives.
Young Professional Spotlight: Ashley Michels, St. Charles City Police Department (Mo.)
Ashley Michels, the Communications Unit Supervisor at the St. Charles City Police Department in Missouri, embodies resilience, adaptability, a deep-seated dedication to serving others and more.
APCO International Announces Nicole McGinnis as New Chief Counsel
APCO International announced this week that Nicole McGinnis has accepted the position of Chief Counsel. Nicole joins APCO after serving the last 10 years in various leadership positions with the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau.
Eye of the Storm
As a public safety telecommunicator in Buncombe County, North Carolina, for more than eight years, I have experienced many critical incidents. But nothing could have prepared me for the catastrophe that the city of Asheville experienced during Hurricane Helene.
APCO Hosts Second 9-1-1 Wellness Summit
On March 2-3, more than 150 attendees gathered for the second 9-1-1 Wellness Summit in Portland, Oregon.
