Proposed Senate Bill 173 Would Give 911 Dispatchers ‘First Responder’ Status, Better … (NM)

by | Feb 26, 2025 | Comm Center News

Proponents of a bill that would boost retirement benefits for emergency dispatchers say the change could help improve recruitment and retention efforts in a high-stress profession that sees rapid employee turnover.

Senate Bill 173 would reclassify 911 dispatchers — also known as public safety telecommunicators — as “first responders”, a change from their current status as “clerical workers.” This would put them in the same category as police officers in the New Mexico Public Employees Retirement Act, which could lead to enhanced, 25-year retirement plans.

Georgia Tech Police Department Leads the Way in Emergency Communications

by | Feb 26, 2025 | Comm Center News

The Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD) continues to set the standard for university public safety by implementing cutting-edge advancements in emergency communications. Most recently, GTPD became the first 911 call center within the University System of Georgia to integrate live caller video application capabilities, transforming how emergency calls are handled on campus.

New EmComm program prepares students for careers in Emergency Communications (WA)

by | Feb 18, 2025 | Comm Center News

 

KEARNEYSVILLE — Jefferson County Schools partnered with Jefferson County Emergency Communications to start a new career and technical education program called EmComm.

The EmComm program started last year when Ian Hillman, director of responsive education, started talking with Edwina Benites, previous director of the Jefferson County Development Authority and current county administrator. During their conversation, they wanted to identify needs in the community and be responsive by finding ways for students to begin working toward careers that fulfill those needs.