FirstNet Board Chair Sue Swenson delivered remarks at this morning’s Distinguished Achievers Breakfast, describing FirstNet’s progress to deploy the nationwide public safety broadband network. She reported that progress is ahead of schedule and several states have already opted in.

Chairwoman Swenson credited APCO as being crucial to FirstNet’s success. In addition to noting that public safety communications professionals will be in the highest tier of FirstNet users, alongside other emergency responders, Swenson highlighted the importance of ongoing collaboration to address the challenges of broadband technology facing the public safety communications workforce.  “We’re going to see innovation really blossom in public safety,” said Swenson. “As technology changes, we need to make sure the workforce is prepared for that.”

APCO Executive Director and CEO Derek Poarch made several recognitions throughout the morning:

·         Platinum Corporate Partners

·         CALEA Certifications

·         NCMEC Partnerships

·         APCO Registered Public-Safety Leader (RPL) Program Graduates

·         APCO Certified Public-Safety Executive (CPE) Program Graduates

After attendees were served breakfast and enjoyed time getting to know others at their tables, Colonel Jill Morgenthaler (Ret.) gave the keynote address, “Leading From the Front: Leadership Amidst Chaos.” When Morgenthaler enlisted in 1975, the first year women were allowed to serve alongside men in the military, she was one of only 83 female cadets—with 50,000 male counterparts—and her “bring it on!” philosophy propelled her to success. She encouraged attendees that, no matter the obstacle or challenge, “You are the right person at the right time in the right place.”

So when your challenge is to find people and keep them safe, what does it take? According to Morgenthaler, “APCO”:

·         Ability – Everyone has their gifts, and leaders need to look for these in their workforce, bringing in diverse people with different talents.

·         Presence – Be a “walk about” leader. By getting “on the ground,” you truly understand what’s going on.

·         Compassion – “It’s mission first, people always; it’s not about me,” Morgenthaler said. Show compassion to your team and to the public you serve.

·         Optimism – Provide hope and a “light at the end of the tunnel.” When leaders have rough days, Morgenthaler said not to let it show— “People model your mood.”

In her final piece of encouragement to attendees, Morgenthaler said not to be passive. “As a leader, you don’t take the ‘no.’ You figure out the ‘yes, and.’” It’s imperative to not let obstacles stand in your way, but to figure out how to get around them, she said, especially when it comes to saving lives.