On Monday, Aug 20, APCO International 2012 Conference & Expo attendees had the opportunity to hear from an Iditarod champion as they attended the Opening General Session. The session was both inspirational and motivational, and allowed attendees to acknowledge performances from the past as well as look toward the future.

In his opening remarks, APCO International Gregg Riddle stated that the Conference & Expo provides an opportunity for networking, learning new skills and seeing the latest technology. The Minnesota Chapter, especially the Conference Committee, was thanked for welcoming APCO and conference attendees to its city.

Police commissioner Ramona Dohman spoke about the professional enrichment opportunities that this conference will provide. She also pointed out that the networking that can be done here is just as valuable as the educational opportunities. The crowd responded enthusiastically to Dohman’s statement that the members of the audience are the first first responders.

Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek was also in attendance and discussed the bridge collapse that occurred on I-35W. This tragedy challenged all first responders and helped shape response today. He also remarked on the new center that is being built that will provide additional room for calltakers and dispatchers for improved service to the community.

Following Sheriff Stanek’s comments, there was the presentation of the PSAP Awards. APCO International Executive Director Derek Poarch said, “The PSAP awards represent the very best of our membership as they do their jobs in public safety communications every day.” He said that the award winners are the backbone of public safety communications. The award winners are (Learn more.):

• Corey Nelson, 2012 Information Technologist of the Year, sponsored by APCO Communications Center & 9-1-1 Services Dept
• Craig Haddock, 2012 RF Technologist of the Year, sponsored by Motorola
• Donna Kelly, 2012 Telecommunicator of the Year, sponsored by Intrado
• Doreen Wasick, 2012 Trainer of the Year, sponsored by Sprint
• Karen Stephenson, 2012 Line Supervisor of the Year, sponsored by Comcast
• Citrus Heights Police Department, 2012 Communications Team Award of the Year, sponsored by Cassidian
• Carol W. Adams, 2012 Communications Center Director of the Year, sponsored by Verizon Enterprise Solutions

Dr. Rebecca Blank, acting secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, then spoke about how resilience and hard work are the American way. She discussed FirstNet and shared the names of the newly appointed board members. She also stated that the network needs involvement beyond the board members appointed.

Don Brittingham, vice president, national security and public safety policy from Verizon, introduced Martin Buser, the keynote speaker. Presenting a message of teamwork and leadership, Martin Buser spoke about the hard work and dedication that it takes to be successful while competing in the Iditarod, the longest race in the world. Buser remarked that this same hard work and dedication are necessary in finding success in any work environment and leadership role. Teambuilding and teamwork on the trail are imperative, as they are in the comm center.

Poarch closed the session, saying, “Leadership and teamwork are key tenets of our work.”

With the end of the session, it is clear that while many things have changed throughout last century, the value of teamwork remains constant.