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APCO would like to recognize all those affected by the tragic bombings that occurred at the finish line of the Boston Marathon nearly one year ago.

The devastating effects of the event and its aftermath continue to cause grief and heavy hearts for all those who serve in the public safety field. It is for this reason that so much of our ongoing discussions center around the lessons learned from these attacks so we may be better prepared to prevent and respond to similar incidents in the future.

The Emerging Technology Forum (ETF) hosted by APCO in early December 2013 is an example of the ongoing conversations occurring in the public safety field due to the events of April 15, 2013. In his keynote address, Boston Fire Commissioner Roderick Fraser discussed his plans for implementing new dispatch and emergency response technologies, including a new computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system that improves first responders’ ability to gather and manage information, coordinate emergency activities and respond to situations quickly and consistently.

Also at December’s ETF, Joseph O’Hare, deputy superintendent and commander of dispatch operations for Boston EMS, discussed his agency’s ongoing training efforts and operations plans for this year’s event. John Daley, deputy superintendent of the Boston Police Department offered an interesting take on the use of social media during the response effort and since.

The public safety community will never forget this devastating event, and on its anniversary our thoughts and hearts go out to all the victims, their families and their loved ones.