Anaheim, CA – Tonight the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International concluded its 79th Annual Conference & Expo with the President’s Dinner where American Idol winner Taylor Hicks performed for attendees.

During the dinner, Gigi Smith, Police Operations Manager of the Valley Emergency Communications Center in the Greater Salt Lake City, Utah area, was sworn in as the next president of APCO International.  With her elevation to president, Smith begins her third year on the Executive Committee of the Board.

“I aim in my presidential year to capitalize on the momentum that continues to propel APCO forward,” said Smith.  “A big part of this is being a good mentor and coach to our future leaders and, as a team, setting our sights high.”

Also during the dinner, Executive Director Derek Poarch announced that APCO International has reached a record of 20,049 members, the highest membership to date for the association.

“This growth of more than 40 percent in membership since November of 2011 was a total team effort between our member chapters, elected leaders and hardworking staff,” said Poarch.  “APCO is honored to now support the largest U.S. membership base of any public safety association in the country.”

As a leader in public safety communications, APCO offered attendees four days of Conference programming, including 99 educational sessions and two full days of exhibits. Next year, APCO will host its 80^th Annual Conference & Expo, August 3-6, in New Orleans, LA.