A Chance to Say Thank You
Updated April 14.
This week is National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, and APCO International and the editors of Public Safety Communications would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the 9-1-1 comm center and PSAP calltakers, dispatchers, radio engineers, technicians, supervisors, managers and directors who ensure 9-1-1 calls are answered quickly and the appropriate response sent. You are our lifeline!
APCO International President Bill Carrow, Steve Souder and Admiral Jamie Barnett, chief of the FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau.
APCO International has been helping agencies around the country in their celebrations. On Monday, April 11, the Fairfax County (Va.) Department of Public Safety Communications celebrated National Public Safety Telecommunications Week with an awards and promotional ceremony at the County Government Center. Individuals and teams were recognized for accomplishments over the past year. Center Director Steve Souder was also recognized for his 50 years service to public safety.
Keynote addresses were provided by Admiral Jamie Barnett, Chief of the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau and Bill Carrow, president of APCO International.
Bill Carrow helped with the awards presentation at the Mid-Eastern Chapter banquet.
On Thursday, April 14, the Mid-Eastern Chapter of APCO celebrated NPSTW with its annual awards luncheon in Dover, Del. Awards were presented in multiple categories to winners from Delaware, Maryland and the District of Columbia.
Carrow provided welcome remarks on behalf of the APCO International Executive Committee of the Board of Directors and assisted in the awards presentations. A highlight of the event was the presentation of senior membership status to Richard Bumgarner and Sharon Lechowicz.
On Monday, APCO International First Vice President Gregg Riddle traveled to Tucson to recognize the efforts of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department 9-1-1 communications center personnel for their professional, competent, compassionate response to the shootings on Jan. 8.
We wanted to know what you’re doing to celebrate, so APCO asked our Facebook fans. Responses ran the gamut from Pat Cleary’s “That’s a good question” to “Our Board of Authority is getting pizza for all staff on 2 separate days. We have great random daily prizes as well as a great FLAT SCREEN PRIZE!!! for the end of the week. We are playing Dispatch Bingo….having a Taco Bar one day too!” from Summer Sandness.
Steven Heck reports that his agency is holding a recognition ceremony. Brandy Bell says she took the initiative and hung a sign in her comm center. Matt Garrity reports that the Arkansas state conference theme is “Unsung Heroes” and will be held during NPSTW to celebrate 9-1-1 professionals.
Cara Moore says, “We are having two luncheons during the week. In the past, we’ve also done a catered barbecue dinner.”
“Our personnel are going to be recognized at City Council on Tuesday night,” said Melissa Foster.
June Becket said, “Cabell County 911 in Huntington WV has different events planned such as Red,White and Blue Day, 80’s Day and Geek Day. Her are also having a Chili Cookoff and Bake Cookoff. Cookout for family and friends. We have gotten several donations from local business’, too many to mention. Thanks to all telecommunicators for the joy you do.”
Local and national media outlets are also recognizing telecommunicators this week. Check out these stories:
- Give thanks for emergency dispatchers — in New Jersey
- Sheriff’s Office appreciates 911 dispatchers — inTexas
- Week Honors 911 Dispatchers — in Idaho
- Honoring 911 dispatchers: inside look at the Gilbert 911 Call Center — in Arizona
APCO, too, thanks all the telecommunications personnel who make our public safety 9-1-1 system work!
