The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International is proud to announce final approval of APCO ANS 3.106.3-2026 Core Competencies and Minimum Training Standards for Public Safety Communications Quality Assurance Evaluators (QAE) on January 20 and APCO ANS 3.104.3-2026 Core Competencies and Minimum Training Standards for Public Safety Communications Training Coordinator on January 27.
APCO Hosts Wellness & Workforce Summit
On February 18-19, 2026, APCO hosted the Wellness & Workforce Summit, an event that built on previous wellness and staffing summits to advance the conversation around workforce sustainability in public safety communications. Over 175 attendees gathered for two full days of education, emotional discussions, technology demonstrations and collaboration.
APCO International Announces Recipients of the 9-1-1 Impact Awards
APCO International announces the recipients of the 2026 9-1-1 Impact Awards, who will be honored during an awards reception in Washington, D.C. The 9-1-1 Impact Awards provide a unique opportunity to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to public safety communications while celebrating the collective achievements of our community.
APCO CEO and Executive Director Mel Maier Testifies in Congress on FirstNet Reauthorization
On January 28, APCO CEO and Executive Director Mel Maier testified before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media at a hearing titled “On the Front Lines of Connectivity: Examining FirstNet’s Role in Public Safety.”
Silent Key: Bernard Joseph “Buster” Brown
Bernard Joseph “Buster” Brown, a dedicated APCO member of Estill Springs, Tennessee, passed away January 15. Brown, the assistant director of the Rutherford County (Tennessee) Emergency Communications District in Murfreesboro, was an APCO member for 20 years.
From Fire Telegraph to Internet Protocol Alerts: The Evolution of Fire Station Alerting Systems
The lineage of fire station alerting traces a remarkable arc, from the copper wires of the fire telegraph to fiber optics and cloud servers. Yet the mission has not changed: deliver critical information clearly, reliably and instantly.
APCO International, EMDRIA and NENA Partner on New EMDR Course Targeting Public Safety Communications Professionals
APCO International has partnered with the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) and NENA to develop a course for EMDR therapists specifically focused on 9-1-1 professionals.
Young Professional Spotlight: Erin Jillson, Nashoba Valley Regional Emergency Communications Center (Mass.)
For Erin Jillson, emergency dispatching isn’t just a job, rather it is a career built on responsibility, teamwork and quiet impact.
APCO President Jack Varnado Testifies in Congress on Needed Improvements to Public Safety Communications
On December 16, APCO President Jack Varnado, testified before the House Energy and Commerce Communications and Technology Subcommittee at a hearing titled “Legislative Improvements to Public Safety Communications in the United States.”
APCO Commends Introduction of Next Generation 9-1-1 Legislation
On December 10, 2025, APCO International welcomed the introduction of the Next Generation 9-1-1 Act in the U.S. House of Representatives to advance the nationwide transition to Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1).
APCO Offers Recommendations to Modernize Emergency Alerting
On November 18, 2025, APCO filed reply comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in response to its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on modernizing the nation’s alerting systems.
APCO Announces the Final Approval and Publication of Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement Program Standard
APCO/NENA ANS 1.107.2-2025 was developed by APCO International in conjunction with the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) through APCO’s ANSI-accredited standards development process, bringing together subject matter experts from across the public safety communications field.
Finding a Voice
It is just over an hour and a half into a Saturday shift at Allen Communications in the Allen, Texas, Police Department when a voice comes over the main police channel: “I think we got shots fired at the outlet mall.”
APCO Announces Final Approval and Publication of Minimum Training Standards for Public Safety Telecommunicators (PST)
APCO International is proud to announce final approval of APCO ANS 3.103.3-2025 Minimum Training Standards for Public Safety Telecommunicators on October 31.
APCO Seeks Working Group Members to Assist With the Development of New AI Standard
Today at the APCO AI Summit, APCO International announced the creation of a new operational standard titled Best Practices for Artificial Intelligence Integration into the Emergency Communications Center (ECC).
Leading With Transparency
Cyberattacks on 9-1-1 centers are no longer rare events — they’re becoming an unfortunate reality. In a single breach, dispatch operations can be paralyzed and confidential personnel data exposed. ECCs must be prepared not only to respond technically but also to communicate clearly, calm public fear and protect the people behind the consoles.
APCO Joins Public Safety Leaders to Champion FirstNet Reauthorization
APCO International joined leaders from the nation’s most prominent public safety organizations to urge lawmakers on Capitol Hill to swiftly and permanently reauthorize the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) before its legislative sunset in February 2027.
APCO Hails Senate Passage of the Enhancing First Response Act
This legislation directs the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to reclassify public safety telecommunicators as “protective service” occupations in the federal government’s catalog of occupations, the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC), correcting their current miscategorization as “administrative/clerical” workers and recognizing the lifesaving nature of their work.
APCO International Receives Scholarship Grant From Motorola Solutions Foundation
The Motorola Solutions Foundation, the charitable arm of Motorola Solutions, has awarded a generous $50,000 grant to the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International to support the APCO Silent Key and Commercial Partner Scholarship Program.
FCC Releases Fact Sheet on 9-1-1 Requirements for Multi-Line Telephone Systems
The FCC has released a fact sheet to raise awareness of the 9-1-1 requirements for multi-line telephone systems (MLTS).
APCO 2025: Food for Thought Luncheon
On the final day of APCO 2025, the Food for Thought Luncheon in the Baltimore Convention Center hosted more than 1,000 public safety communications professionals. Attendees on Wednesday, July 30, recognized agencies that earned APCO accreditation; heard about Baltimore’s advances in public safety communications and about APCO 2026’s San Antonio destination; and were inspired by the founder of Because I Said I would, a mental health resiliency charity based on keeping promises.
APCO 2025 Heads to Baltimore
July 27-30 is going to be special in Charm City this year when APCO 2025 comes to Baltimore. It will be the third time in the 21st century that the APCO Conference & Expo has visited Baltimore, and it gives attendees easy access to the heart of the city.
Invest in Our Best
How do we maintain? How do we keep pushing forward? How do we make sure those who stay are uplifted or given opportunities to do something different? How do we make sure our centers are maintained and represented by the best and brightest?
Young Professional Spotlight: Iris Harris, Lincoln County E9-1-1 (Okla.)
Since May 2017, Iris has been answering the call — literally. What started as a job to support her through school quickly became a career she couldn’t walk away from.
Silent Key: T. G. Mieure
APCO Life Member and long-time Illinois police and communications officer T. G. Mieure of Waukegan passed away on June 17 at the age of 71.
Mieure was a pillar of Illinois APCO for decades and a respected voice in the international APCO community.
