APCO Introduces New Course: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the ECC

APCO Introduces New Course: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the ECC

The first course will be offered live at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, Ga.

Alexandria, VA – Today the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International announced the introduction of the Institute’s newest course for emergency communications center (ECC) professionals – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in the ECC. The first course will be held August 31 – September 1, onsite at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) in Forsyth, Ga.

The DEI course was developed with information gathered from an APCO membership survey conducted late in 2020, which identified issues affecting diversity, equity and inclusion in the ECC. The course curriculum includes discussions on experiences and viewpoints to better understand how perceptions  both individual and institutional – can affect how employees interact with each other in the workplace. The course will also identify interventions to counter biases, microaggressions and other negative workplace behaviors. Best practices are also addressed to result in healthier and more inclusive organizations with fully engaged employees…



911 call now comes with life-saving help (VA)

911 call now comes with life-saving help (VA)

Telecommunicators at the Farmville Emergency Communications Center are now able to provide 911 callers with pre-arrival instructions such as how to control bleeding, perform CPR or even assist in childbirth.

According to Jackie Gilbert, emergency communications manager at the center, each dispatcher is now certified in emergency medical dispatch — a process which allows telecommunicators to provide those who dial 911 with instructions on how to respond to a medical emergency before first responders arrive.

In a Monday, July 12, interview, Gilbert highlighted the center began offering emergency medical dispatch services May 19…

House Committee Earmarks $20M For NextGen Warning System

House Committee Earmarks $20M For NextGen Warning System

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday recommended $20 million for public broadcasting’s Next Generation Warning System within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the Fiscal Year 2022 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill.

This funding would help support public broadcasting’s work in alert and warning and public safety communications.

The recommended appropriation was commended by Patrick Butler, President and CEO of America’s Public Television Stations (APTS)…

Future of Royalston communication tower up in the air (MA)

ROYALSTON — Royalston’s Selectboard is hoping some questions regarding the communication tower off Warwick Road can be answered fairly soon, especially given that that tower is fitted with equipment that allows for communication between the town’s public safety agencies. Agreements regarding operation of the tower are due to run out in three months.

Elwood Taylor, who owns the property on which the tower is located, approached the board at its meeting last Tuesday, July 6, to inform them a lease agreement he has with the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) is due to expire this fall. FRCOG, which had once used the tower for emergency communications, was given control of the unit after it was constructed by the federal government.

AT&T : to Provide Tech Solutions for CA State and Local Agencies

AT&T Selected to Provide Connectivity Solutions for California State and Local Agencies, and Education Institutions

New Technologies Including High-Capacity Broadband and FirstNet® Accessible to Public Entities Improve Communications Throughout California

What’s the news? The California Network and Telecommunications (CALNET) Program awarded AT&T* contracts for 16 new service categories to provide connectivity and technology products to California state and local agencies. Under these new contracts, AT&T will deliver a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions that will modernize the agency’s operations and help make California communities safer, smarter and stronger.

California is the third largest state by area and the most populous state in the country with different solution needs for each agency. With CALNET, state and local government agencies can go through a streamlined process to select AT&T solutions that meet their individual requirements…