The APCO outgoing President is given the opportunity to publicly recognize an individual or group who has provided a special service or contribution to the Association during the President’s term in office, and on Wednesday night John Wright chose to present two Presidential Awards.

The first was presented to the entire APCO staff.

“While many individuals, members and non-members alike, could and maybe should be recognized, I feel that the presentation of these awards must be held to those who rise above all others in support of the President both prior to and during the term in office,” he said. “In keeping with our long-standing traditions, I authorized two awards this year to individuals that I feel have provided outstanding service to our Association and have also supported, counseled, and encouraged me during my term in office, providing advice and guidance when I initially ran for this office and then as a vital resource on APCO’s long and storied history during my service on the Executive Committee over these past three years.”

Wright went on to say: “I cannot say enough about this hardworking, dedicated, group of individuals who often work behind the scenes to support the daily operations of our Association. While, as I have heard many telecommunicators say, ‘I was just doing my job’ when receiving an award in recognition for their outstanding work, these individuals who were also doing their jobs, have truly earned our respect and our thanks for a job extremely well done. This professional team of staff members continually supported me as your President, and supported all of the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, the individual Chapters and each and every member as well. Led by an outstanding management team, no matter if they worked at the reception desk, worked on your applications in the AFC, provided training out of the APCO Institute, supported our chapter membership, watched over our finances, were involved in Government Relations, helped with publications, provided resources, planned the events, or supported PSConnect and our APCO website, they all excelled in their jobs. They are always eager to help anyone who asks, making sure that the support provided is timely, accurate, and done with a positive attitude and a smile.”

The second Presidential Award was presented to longtime member and APCO past president Gary David Gray.

“I have had the extreme pleasure to have participated at multiple levels within our Association with the friendship and support of this next individual for over the past 25 years,” Wright said. “He provided encouragement and support when I served as a Chapter Officer, worked on various APCO committees, and when I decided to run for this office. He has been a member of APCO for over 40 years and is a life member of this Association. He brings the value of knowing first hand of our rich history, often providing historical background on past projects or governance, providing support to every member of the Chapter to help them reach their potential, and continually working in support of the Association as a whole. He continues to serve this Association as a regional frequency coordinator, serves on multiple committees, and served as the President of APCO International from 1988 to 1989.”