Young Professional Spotlight: Ben Smith, Woodward County E-911

The APCO Young Professionals Committee is proud to recognize Ben Smith as our young professional spotlight.  He was nominated for being a great role model to others, regardless of their age or years of service in public safety.

Starting as a frontline telecommunicator, he is now the director of his center.  Ben has helped his agency achieve APCO’s Agency Training Certification, as well as earned his own RPL and ENP certifications…

Police Dispatcher job with Foothill-De Anza Community College District (CA)

Police Dispatcher job with Foothill-De Anza Community College District (CA)

Members of the Foothill – De Anza College Police Department are
committed to creating a safe and secure environment for students,
faculty, staff and community members on campus. The department
strives to provide the highest quality service to fulfill the needs
of the college communities it serves.

The Police Dispatcher will receive, prioritize and respond to a
variety of routine and emergency calls for service from phone
calls, radio and in person requests. Dispatchers must be able to
multitask and think quickly to determine the proper level and
extent of response…

St. Johnsbury Dispatcher Karen Montgomery Taking Last Call After 21 Years (VT)

St. Johnsbury Dispatcher Karen Montgomery Taking Last Call After 21 Years (VT)

Karen Montgomery is retiring as an emergency dispatcher after 21 years of service and while her co-workers at the St. Johnsbury Dispatch Center wish her well, it’s pretty clear her departure will be a big loss.

“Karen has been a big part of our operations here at the fire department and her retirement will mean a great loss of knowledge,” said St. Johnsbury Fire Chief Jon Bouffard…

MN 9-1-1 Centers Prep Backup Plans as Ex-Cop’s Trial Looms

MN 9-1-1 Centers Prep Backup Plans as Ex-Cop’s Trial Looms

The Minneapolis Third Precinct held backup 9-1-1 equipment, but it was destroyed in last year's riots.

The Minneapolis Third Precinct held backup 9-1-1 equipment, but it was destroyed in last year’s riots.

Metro area 9-1-1 leaders are boosting their communication and buying additional equipment in hopes of avoiding problems that hampered their response during riots last year.

Minneapolis officials said Thursday that they have been holding weekly meetings with regional 9-1-1 leaders, purchased two additional sets of backup equipment, and are creating a dedicated line of communication, should more unrest happen during the murder trial of former officer Derek Chauvin..

Cape Breton woman wants accountability from police after late brother’s 911 call was treated as hoax (Canada)

Cape Breton woman wants accountability from police after late brother’s 911 call was treated as hoax (Canada)

A Cape Breton woman says police are refusing to take accountability for treating her brother’s 911 call as a hoax, which she believes resulted in his death.

“It’s negligence by the Cape Breton Regional Police causing death,” said Amy Gerrow of Millville.

Gerrow said her brother Jeff Harrietha had called 911 looking for help but police dismissed the call and she said it resulted in a delayed search for him…