APCO is proud to announce the final approval of two standards on June 26: NENA/APCO Minimum Training and Operational Standards for TTY/TDD Communications in PSAPs, NENA/APCO-STA-051.2-2026, and NENA/APCO Standard for Telecommunicator Emergency Response Taskforce (TERT) Deployment, NENA/APCO-STA-050.3-2026.
APCO Releases Updated Public Safety Telecommunicator 1 Course
APCO has recently launched an update to the APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) 1. This course provides a comprehensive curriculum to establish the core knowledge, practical techniques and critical thinking required to confidently manage emergency and non-emergency calls.
APCO 2026: Distinguished Achievers Breakfast
The APCO 2026 Distinguished Achievers Breakfast on Tuesday at the Henry B. González Convention Center recognized corporate partners, Certified Public-Safety Executive (CPE) graduates and agencies achieving national accreditation. It was capped by a keynote address from Olympic hurdler and Pan American Games silver medalist Sarah Wells on building a culture of excellence.
APCO 2026: Opening General Session
APCO 2026 attendees filled the San Antonio Convention Center ballroom Monday for the Opening General Session, where a Bexar County sheriff, the APCO CEO and the APCO president welcomed the membership before a mental health expert urged telecommunicators to make six daily choices to build a less anxious life.
APCO 2026: First General Business Session
APCO 2026 kicked off officially Sunday with the First General Business Session as attendees heard the platform of the second vice president candidate, considered a bylaws amendment to add at-large seats to the Board of Directors, and got an update from APCO’s chief counsel on the association’s legislative and regulatory priorities.
APCO Announces Final Approval and Publication of Three Standards
APCO is proud to announce final approval of APCO ANS 2.108.1-2026 700 MHz Deployable Public Safety Trunking Systems, APCO ANS 3.102.3-2026 Core Competencies and Minimum Training Standards for Emergency Communications Center (ECC) Supervisors, both on June 26, and APCO ANS 3.101.4-2026 Core Competencies and Minimum Training Standards for Public Safety Communications Training Officer (CTO) on July 27.
APCO Heads to San Antonio
The rhythm of the San Antonio River Walk, the glow of the city lights reflecting across the water, the energy of thousands of public safety professionals gathering with purpose. San Antonio is more than just a conference destination. It is a feeling. A calling. A moment.
The Human Factor Under the Headset
In today’s emergency communications centers (ECCs), emotional intelligence (EQ) and soft skills are no longer optional attributes. They are professional necessities that can shape the tone of an entire shift, the outcome of an incident and the health of a team over time.
Court Decision Clears Path for Next Steps in 4.9 GHz Band
The 4.9 GHz band is an important public safety spectrum resource, and a recent court decision has cleared the way for the FCC to continue implementing its plans for the band.
Young Professional Spotlight: Ashlee Roy, Hamilton County Emergency Communications District (Tenn.)
At 31 years old, Ashlee Roy has built a life centered around service, resilience and family. Married to her husband for 11 years, and together for more than 16, Ashlee and her husband are raising four children: three girls and one boy. Life in their household is constantly moving, filled with the energy and chaos that naturally comes with a family of six. Yet for Ashlee, that busy lifestyle is something she treasures deeply.
Young Professional Spotlight: Adam Davis, Hamilton County Emergency Communications District (Tenn.)
In communications centers across the country, the future of 9-1-1 is already taking shape through the voices and experiences of young professionals entering the field. Adam Davis, a Telecommunicator Advanced and Communications Training Officer (CTO) with five years of experience, represents this emerging generation; one that is deeply committed to service while actively shaping what comes next.
The FCC Takes Action to Modernize Disaster Information Reporting System
On May 21, the FCC unanimously adopted measures to modernize its web-based Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS). The FCC uses DIRS to gather information about service disruptions during disasters.
APCO International and GovWorx Partner to Bring APCO’s Protocols to CommsCoach ASSIST
APCO International has partnered with GovWorx to bring APCO’s recognized communications protocols into GovWorx’s CommsCoach ASSIST. This collaboration will further APCO’s mission to equip emergency communications centers (ECC) with modern, intelligent workflow tools. Together, APCO and GovWorx will streamline ECC operations, improve protocol adherence and expand APCO’s digital influence across the public safety technology landscape.
Young Professional Spotlight: Cheyenne Bedell, Hamilton County Emergency Communications District (Tenn.)
At just 33 years old, Cheyenne Bedell has already built a remarkable career in public safety communications while raising a family of four children, ages 6 to 15. For Cheyenne, life is a constant balance between dedication at home and commitment to her community — both of which she handles with resilience, compassion and purpose.
APCO International Welcomes Douglas A. Klein as Government Relations Senior Counsel
This week APCO International welcomes Douglas A. Klein as the new government relations senior counsel. Klein brings more than 25 years of experience in telecommunications law and policy.
Night Moves
When most of the world sleeps, overnight telecommunicators make critical decisions with fewer resources, less visibility and little recognition for the unique challenges they face.
APCO International Announces 2026 Award Winners
APCO International is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Emergency Communications Center Awards and Technology Leadership Awards. The winners will be recognized during the Opening General Session at APCO 2026, APCO’s Annual Conference & Expo, taking place August 2-5 in San Antonio, Texas.
APCO and Vasana Partner to Bring Wellness Tools to APCO Members
APCO International is excited to announce a new partnership with Vasana, Inc., a leader in science-backed human performance and well-being. This partnership will give APCO members access to the Vasana platform, an AI‑powered behavioral health and performance platform that supports first responders, public safety teams and high‑pressure operational environments with diagnostics, analytics and personalized resilience tools such as guided breathing, grounding and visualization practices, all structured to support real-time regulation and recovery.
Young Professional Spotlight: Christie Nash, Hamilton County Emergency Communications District (Tenn.)
In today’s ever-evolving world of emergency communications, the voices behind the headset often go unheard. This spotlight highlights Christie Nash, a dedicated telecommunicator whose journey into public safety reflects both resilience and a deep commitment to her community.
APCO International Announces Christi Lower as Director for APCO Institute
Dr. Christi Lower, PhD, CAE, recently joined APCO International as director for the APCO Institute. Dr. Lower has 15 years of experience leading high-profile and large-scale education and workforce initiatives in the nonprofit and public sectors.
House Advances Public Safety Communications Bills, Including the FirstNet Reauthorization Act
The House of Representatives advanced several public safety communications bills this week. APCO commends the House of Representatives for advancing these important public safety communications bills and looks forward to working with the Senate toward final enactment.
APCO International Announces Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D., as a 2026 9-1-1 Impact Awards Recipient
The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International is pleased to announce Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D., as a recipient of the 2026 9-1-1 Impact Awards. Congressman Dunn, along with his fellow 2026 9-1-1 Impact Award recipients, exemplifies a strong commitment to advancing public safety communications.
APCO Applauds Introduction of Additional Next Generation 9-1-1 Legislation
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.
Young Professional Spotlight: Katherine Rogers, Williamson County Department of Emergency Communications (Tenn.)
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.
APCO Announces Final Approval and Publication of Two Training Standards
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.
