Top Comm Center Headlines
News & Articles
Honoring Police, Fire and EMS Dispatchers – ‘The First First-Responders’ (CA)
They are, in the words of Pasadena Police Lt. William Grisafe, “the first first-responders.” Before police officers or firefighters or EMS workers arrive at some crime or crisis, dispatchers are already in gear…the first point of contact for the public, the...
Telecommunicators thanked; Lowe’s makes gloves donation (NC)
ELIZABETHTOWN — The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week. It began Sunday and runs through Saturday. Sheriff Jim McVicker, a release says, recognized those within his department with a letter and gift. The...
Darcy Ziller: one of Cook County’s calm voices on 9-1-1 (CA)
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, first recognized in 1981 in Costa County in California, has become a national effort. It is a week set aside to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the men and women more commonly known as 9-1-1 dispatchers. These...
Radio communications for responders get a big boost (OR)
Seaside made a big advance to improving radio communications for first responders. The City Council approved $135,000 for the purchase and implementation of a new simulcast radio system on Monday. A double layer of coverage in a number of places should “greatly...
Hutto Fire Rescue has new app for residents to prepare for emergencies (TX)
Hutto Fire Rescue, also known as Williamson County Emergency Services District #3, has a new app that helps residents protect themselves and their property during an incident or major disaster. Hutto Fire Rescue provides services to a 63-square mile area of eastern...
Police and fire show support for regional dispatch center in Hingham (MA)
HINGHAM — It was a bit of a surprise when 25 police cars and fire trucks turned on their lights and sirens and started circling Hingham Town Hall on Thursday morning, said Laurie Croke, South Shore Regional Emergency Communication Center executive director. “They’re...
Little Rock 911 dispatcher fired after decision to self-quarantine (AR)
LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — After 23 years of saving lives as a Little Rock police officer, Aaron Manning retired from duty but not from public service -- he decided to put his years of experience to good use, starting a new job as a 911 dispatcher. "Every opportunity...
Omnitronics provides FREE Radio dispatch software to support Public Safety efforts during COVID-19
In order to show gratitude to and in direct support of the vital services that everyone around the world heavily relies on during the COVID-19 emergency, Omnitronics offers FREE use of the RediTALK-Flex Dispatch software for 90 days to organizations working in or...
NG9-1-1 Interoperability Oversight Commission Approves RFP Award for PKI Operations & PCA
The NG9-1-1 Interoperability Oversight Commission (NIOC) is proud to announce an RFP award to tech companies Eonti and DigiCert to operate the PSAP Credentialing Agency (PCA). This is a key element in building greater trust and interoperability in Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) systems. The award is a significant milestone in establishing a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) for NG9-1-1, as required by the prevailing standards for NG9-1-1 and recommended by other leading groups including the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Task Force on Optimal PSAP Architecture (TFOPA).
?On behalf of the NIOC Commissioners, we all recognize ? and are excited for ? another monumental step in the evolution of Next Generation 9-1-1.? says NIOC Chair Rick Blackwell, ENP, E9-1-1 Director for Greenville County, South Carolina. ?Having a PSAP Credentialing Authority in place is the culmination of years of hard work by so many at NENA, including the Board of Directors, staff, Development Steering Council, and all the volunteers who contributed to the organization?s working groups.?
The NIOC is now entering contract deliberations with Eonti and DigiCert, with a goal of entering production of the NG9-1-1 PKI in 2020.
NENA staff, in response to broad industry recommendations to establish a PKI for NG9-1-1, initiated a competitive, sealed-bid Request for Proposals (RFP) to operate the PCA, which is the root of trust for the NG9-1-1 PKI. To review the responses, NENA assembled a committee of volunteers including public- and private-sector representatives. This committee then reviewed the proposals according to best practices and selected the vendors.
Every PKI requires an independent governance structure. For the NG9-1-1 PKI, that is NIOC. NIOC was convened in March 2020 and began doing official business in April 2020. One its first orders of business was to review and approve the RFP process executed by NENA and the review committee. NIOC reviewed several hundred pages of documentation, including scoring of vendor proposals, the original RFP itself, Q&A between NENA and vendors and a summary report prepared by NENA staff. NIOC reaffirmed the vendor selection on April 15, 2020, concluding that NENA and the review committee conducted the procurement appropriately and selected the best available vendor, and NIOC voted to approve an award to Eonti and DigiCert. Additionally, NIOC voted to make this award public information.
A PKI is a system of policies, procedures and technologies to establish a chain of trust among users based on security certificates. This is a common approach used in many critical infrastructure industries. In building a model for a PKI for NG9-1-1, the NIOC and NENA looked to other telecommunications and public safety approaches including those taken by SHAKEN/STIR, state and Federal Government and local Councils of Government (COGs). Learn more about how a PKI works in this informational video from NENA.
The NG9-1-1 Interoperability Oversight Commission (NIOC) is the independent oversight body for standards-driven interoperability programs for NG9-1-1. NIOC consists of stakeholders from the public and private sectors that are affected by these programs. More information is available here.
Our first, first responders are amazing (WA)
Before you see the lights or hear the sirens of your first responders, you most likely have already interacted with the first first-responders. Each time the residents of Walla Walla County call the 911 center (which, by the way, was over 85,000 times in 2019), the...
Celebrating dispatchers during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (AR)
They’re the voices you hear on the other end of a 911 call and they’re dispatching important information during emergencies. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — They’re the voices you hear on the other end of a 911 call and they’re dispatching important information during...
Putnam County celebrates 911 dispatchers (TN)
This week is National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, and it’s a good time to thank your local dispatchers.The Putnam County 911 Center has 12 full-time dispatchers, said Putnam County 911 Assistant Director Brandon Smith.“We have 20 employees total, including...
Orange County Fire Rescue training some of their own to become dispatchers due to coronavirus (FL)
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Because of the coronavirus, Orange County Fire Rescue is training members of their team to take on a new role. Those who work in the Fire Marshal’s Office who have duties like inspecting buildings, will now have the chance to work in the 911...
Recognizing dispatchers for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (ME)
On a daily basis, we see the work that officials like police officers, firefighters, and EMS crews do to keep our communities safe. A group not on the front lines that plays a large role in those efforts, though, are public safety dispatchers. The second week of April...
NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER WEEK – April12th-18th, 2020 (IN)
In 1991 Congress proclaimed the second week of April as National Public Safety Dispatcher Week to honor and recognize the men and women who serve as the first “first responders” when you need help. Whether you need police, fire or medical personnel, when you call...
Honoring the unseen first responders (NH)
CONCORD, N.H. — The week of April 12-18 is National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, a time to honor those first responders that are rarely seen by the public. "We're the voice, first responder voice that you'll never see," New Hampshire State Police...
A good, tough career: ‘Dream team’ 911 dispatcher retires after 24 years (UT)
Emergency services dispatcher Pamela Olsen has amassed “tons” of experiences during her near-quarter-century career. From bank robberies and high-speed chases, not to mention the mass of changes with the job itself, 911 director Shelley Peterson said Olsen is one of...
Heroes Behind the Headsets: Dyersburg 9‑1‑1 (TN)
When a call is taken, these individuals not only gather crucial details from a caller, but also paint a detailed picture of the situation to police officers, firefighters, and EMS responders all without seeing the scene.
Thank your local 911 workers (WV)
BUCKHANNON — Often, we forget about the true “first responders” – our 911 telecommunications personnel in the public safety community. The second week of April is dedicated to honoring 911 center workers, formally known as “National Public Safety...
Answering the call: National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week honors dispatchers (NE)
Unsung heroes are being celebrated this week: 911 dispatchers. April 12-18 is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. The Joint Communication Center employs 13 full-time dispatchers, with a new hire starting Monday, said JCC Communications Director Rachel...
UPCOMING EVENTREGISTER>
The Inaugural Howard C. Liebengood Foundation Symposium: The Evolving Law Enforcement Landscape & the First Responder Mental Health Crisis
Wednesday, September 30 to Thursday, October 1, 2026
Law enforcement is operating in one of the most demanding environments in modern history. Shifting public expectations, critical incidents, and ongoing organizational pressures have reshaped the profession, and the impact on officer health and agency stability has never been greater. This inaugural symposium convenes law enforcement leaders, mental health and health care experts, researchers, and bipartisan policymakers to explore practical, evidence-informed solutions. Grounded in research and lived experience, this symposium focuses on translating knowledge into action.
Over two days, participants will examine the evolving policing landscape, confront the profession’s mental health crisis—including elevated rates of suicide, PTSD, depression, and anxiety—and identify strategies to strengthen resilience, crisis response, and organizational leadership.
SURVEY
PSBTA Releases Survey on First Responder Support for FirstNet Reauthorization
New Survey: First Responders Overwhelmingly Support Reauthorization of FirstNet
A new bipartisan national survey commissioned by the Public Safety Broadband Technology Association finds near- unanimous support among first responders for reauthorizing the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority)– the agency overseeing America’s dedicated public safety broadband network.
PETITIONS
Congress should reauthorize the FirstNet Authority now.
Support the reauthorization of the FirstNet Authority to preserve public safety’s network
PSBTA UPDATES
Podcast
FirstNet and the 4.9 GHz Spectrum
This episode dives into the critical evolution of public safety communications, focusing on the recent FCC decision to establish a nationwide Band Manager framework for the 4.9 GHz spectrum, and discuss the evolution and deployment of the FirstNet System. Host Chris Tubbs interviews Chief Jeff Johnson, a leader in public safety technology and the development of FirstNet. Together, they explore the history, governance, and transformative potential of FirstNet and the 4.9 GHz spectrum in enhancing public safety operations with emerging technologies like AI, 5G, and augmented reality. The discussion emphasizes the importance of protecting and optimizing public safety spectrum, the lessons learned from past advocacy efforts, and a call to action for public safety leaders to remain engaged in ensuring the spectrum’s effective use and governance.
LISTEN TO PODCAST
GRANTS
Webinar
Accessing Federal Resources When an Emergency or Major Disaster Strikes
In light of the major disasters that our nation has recently experienced, PS Grants is offering this FREE webinar to review Disaster Assistance Programs and how to access them. Learn what federal funds and resources are available through Disaster Assistance, understand the process of requesting assistance, know what to expect before, during, and after, and find out who to contact for help.
REGISTER
Subscribe to Comm Center News
Get the latest News, Articles, and Insights from AllThingsECC.com weekly in our newsletter.
PARTNERS
Stay Up to Date With The Latest News & Updates
Share Your Story
Join our community to share your experience and connect and collaborate with colleagues.
Join Our Newsletter
Get the latest News, Articles, and Insights from AllThingsECC.com weekly in our newsletter.
Follow Us
Stay connected with the latestEmergency Communications News, Articles & Information.