Today or On-Demand: NENA Webinar on Disaster Planning, Management, & Mitigation

Disaster Versus the Dispatcher
Wednesday, Feb. 5 | 3PM Eastern (live) or On Demand
$50 (NENA Members) | $85 (Non-Members)
Click here to register!

This first NENA webinar of 2014 addresses a critical issue faced by anyone who works in the Public Safety Communications industry, no matter what your role or the size of your agency:  Planning for, managing, and moving on from disasters. 
 
This informative, insightful, and entertaining presentation will address five primary areas of interest related to effective managing of major disasters:

• Disaster planning for communications centers and personnel. 
• Resources to assist in the planning and response process. 
• Effective management of the service requests during and after disasters. 
• The importance of sharing lessons learned with fellows members of the 9-1-1 community. 
• Relevant standards and resources offered by NENA. 

Can't attend today? Register now and receive on-demand access to the webinar archive.
 
Webinar Access Info
Dial-in and web-access details will be provided to attendees via email the week of the webinar.

 

Free Webinar - Working With Congress: Making Your Voice Heard in Washington

Monday, Feb.10 | 3PM Eastern (live) or On Demand
FREE!
Click here to register! 

As we gear up for this year’s edition of 9-1-1 Goes to Washington, join NENA’s Director of Government Affairs, Trey Forgety, for a fast primer on how to work with your representatives in Congress. This FREE webinar will cover critical questions about influencing the legislative process:

1. Who’s Who on Congressional Staffs
2. What – and Who – to ask for when requesting a meeting
3. When to make your request/When’s the best time to meet
4. Where congressional meetings take place
5. Why we need YOUR voice at 9-1-1 Goes to Washington
6. How to get information on your members and the key staffers who can make or break your case

With the skills and tools covered in this webinar, you’ll be ready to take on "the Hill" with confidence and poise – and a serious sit-down meeting already in your planner.

BONUS: One lucky participant from the live webcast will receive a FREE registration for 9-1-1 Goes to Washington. Register now and join us on the 10th to qualify!

Can't attend on the 10th? Register now and receive on-demand access to the webinar archive.

Webinar Access Info
Dial-in and web-access details will be provided to attendees upon registration.

 

Free Mobile Future Webinar - Public Safety in Rural America: What the Future Holds

Thursday, Feb. 13 | 2PM Eastern
FREE!
Click here to register!

Join us to hear first-hand from leading industry experts on how public safety communications in rural communities is evolving and the important role that wireless technology plays in connecting the nation's first responders.
 
This webinar puts the spotlight on:

• The role of wireless in public safety.
• The impact of FirstNet across America.
• New technologies affecting emergency services.

Speakers:
Brian Fontes, CEO, National Emergency Number Association
Diane Smith, Rural Entrepreneur, Investor, Attorney, Author, Wife and Mom, Advocate

 

NENA Education Advisory Board Seeks New Member

The departure of an Education Advisory Board (EAB) member has created a vacancy on the committee. NENA is looking to fill the open seat with a NENA member in good standing who possess the desire and dedication to become part of the team charged with carrying out NENA’s educational mission. For more details, please see the Statement of Purpose and Duties for EAB Members, the EAB Candidate Application & Questionnaire, and the Applicant Information Submission Instructions. All documentation from applicants must be received by NENA Education and PSAP Operations Director Ty Wooten by close of business on Friday, February 21, 2014, in order to be considered for the position.

 

Register Today for 9-1-1 Goes to Washington

9-1-1 Goes to Washington brings together hundreds of 9-1-1 professionals from around the country with policy leaders in our nation's capital to explore and discuss today's most pressing 9-1-1 and emergency communications issues. 9-1-1 Goes to Washington is the only event where you can learn about the policy challenges facing public safety and take immediate action to address them through dialog with your elected and appointed officials.

Join us from March 23-26 in Arlington, VA, just steps from our nation's capital, for a dynamic, interactive three-day program where you will receive:

• The inside information you need to help shape the 9-1-1 and emergency communications agenda for the Administration and Congress.

• Critical knowledge of current, proposed, and needed federal and state 9-1-1, homeland security, and emergency communications legislation, regulation, and initiatives. 

• An opportunity to talk directly with Members of Congress, Administration officials, and their staff to make your voice heard on behalf of the entire 9-1-1 community.

Click here to view the event agenda. Click here to register online. Click here to book your hotel room.

 

Sign Up for the First Annual "Run for 9-1-1!"

On the morning of Saturday, June 14, kick off your NENA 2014 experience by lacing up your running or walking shoes and participating in the Friends of 9-1-1 first-ever "Run for 9-1-1" charity 5k!
 
The run/walk promotes healthy living among 9-1-1 professionals, gives the Nashville community and supporters from around the country a chance to say "thank you" to 9-1-1, and generates funds for scholarships and 9-1-1 training opportunities.
 
When: Saturday, June 14, 2014 at 7AM

Start Location:  Bridgestone Arena 5th and Broadway

Route includes: Bridgestone Arena, Music City Center, Midtown, and Music Row

Registration Fees:

• $30 Now – 5/2/2014
• $35 5/3 – 6/13/2014
• $40 Race Day
• $100 for a team of 5

Awards: Every participant will receive a complimentary t-shirt and medal for completion, grand prizes for Top 3 Finishers Male and Female, and giveaways for all!!

Sign up for the race today and learn more about the Friends of 9-1-1 program at www.friendsof911.org.

 

Register Today for the NENA 2014 Conference & Expo

At NENA 2014 (June 14-19 in Nashville, TN)  you will not only hear about the public safety issues of the present and the future, but also gain practical, real world know-how that you can take home with you and put into action immediately. No matter what your role is in public safety, NENA 2014 delivers the education, resources, and contacts you need to be better-equipped to do your job and actively prepare for the road ahead.

Featuring inspiring keynote speakers, dozens of education and training sessions designed to inform and empower, comprehensive full-day and multi-day courses and workshops with real-world applications, unparalleled opportunities to network with peers and make the right connections, and an expo hall showcasing cutting-edge products and services, NENA 2014 is the must-attend event of the year for today’s emergency communications professional. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of it!

And don’t forget: Every full-conference registration includes unlimited online, on-demand access to more than 90 hours of audio recordings and synchronized slide presentations from every education session at NENA 2014!
 
Click here to register online or here to download a paper form.

Click here to make your housing reservations today. With two new hotels just added and many hotels already close to being sold out, be sure to book soon to get the best possible rate at your hotel of choice!

 

ENP Update: Two New Study Groups Forming & NENA Now Offering Practice Tests

ENP Study Group Update:

• Mission Critical Partners is hosting an ENP Study Group that began on February 3. Contact Louisa King, ENP for additional details. 
• Contact RD Porter, ENP to join the ongoing LR Kimball ENP Study Group

The NENA Institute Board has collaborated with Professional Testing Corporation, the company that administers the ENP Examination, to offer a 50-question practice test intended to familiarize those about to take the ENP examination with the electronic test-taking experience.

The practice test is weighted in much the same manner as the full ENP Examination. At the completion of the practice test, a score will be given, but it should not be interpreted as an indicator of the likelihood of attaining a passing score. The intent is to experience electronic test taking in the same format as the ENP Examination, and to answer questions weighted similarly to the Operations and Management portions of the ENP Examination as found in the Body of Knowledge.

If you are interested in taking the practice test, all you need to do is sign up for it via the ENP webpage. There is a $75 fee for the practice test, or you may bundle the practice test with purchase of an ENP Reference Manual for $100.

 

Plan Now to Attend NENA Training Programs in 2014

Looking to get more out of your career? Want to stay on top of the latest in emergency communications? Need continuing education credits? NENA’s education program has just what you are looking for! We've already scheduled dozens of educational opportunities for you in 2014 and are adding more to the calendar every day! Upcoming offerings include:

• NENA Center Manager Certification Program in New Jersey
• NENA Center Manager Certification Program in Ohio
• NENA Education Summit in Illinois (hosted by Motorola)

Our courses and certification programs, developed and lead by experts in the field, provide relevant, informative, and up-to-date training on all aspects of 9-1-1 technology and PSAP operations. Check out the current list of classes toward the end of this email or view it online. Contact Ty Wooten if you would like to book a class in your area or if you have any questions.

And don't forget to like our new NENA Education & Training Facebook page for the latest news and announcements!

 

NENA Now Accepting Stanton Award Nominations

The William E. Stanton Award is NENA's highest honor. It is bestowed upon an individual who has not only excelled in his or her everyday job, but has gone above and beyond to further NENA's goals. Nominations for this prestigious annual award are now open.

Click here for additional information on the award, including criteria, past recipients, and the nomination form. Deadline for nominations is March 28, 2014.

 

McMurray Scholarship Application Window Now Open

NENA has established a scholarship program to honor the commitment of William "Bill" McMurray, ENP, Past President, to the mission of NENA and 9-1-1 education. The Scholarship will be awarded for the NENA 2014 Conference & Expo, and includes conference registration fee and four (4) nights of lodging at a conference hotel (to be determined by NENA upon awarding of scholarship). Travel expenses to and from the conference and meals are not included in this award.

Please visit the scholarship webpage for information about the criteria, application procedure, and responsibilities. All applications must be returned to NENA headquarters by COB March 14, 2014.

 

2014 NENA Membership Recruitment & Rewards Program

As an active member, you know the value of NENA membership. Spread the word to peers and coworkers, and earn great prizes and continuing education opportunities. 
   
How it Works  
Participation has never been easier. Simply log in to nena.org, click on the Refer a Friend link from the "My NENA Account" menu on the left-hand side of the screen, and send out your personal referral link to invite friends and colleagues to join online. This exciting new feature even allows you to track your invitations and rewards points along the way! For those recruits who choose to sign up using NENA's printable membership application, make sure they include your name in the "Referred by" line of the application.  
   
The more you recruit, the greater the prize!   
Every eligible member who recruits at least one (1) new member between Jan. 1, 2014, and March 31, 2014, will receive an exclusive NENA member pen. Recruit as many new members as possible to reach new recruiter levels and earn rewards and valuable education opportunities including complimentary course, CMCP, and Annual Conference registration. 

Start recruiting today! Visit the Member Recruitment page for full program details.  

 

NENA Now Accepting 2014-2015 Executive Board Nominations

NENA is pleased to open the nominations process for our 2014-2015 Executive Board election! This election will be for the following positions: Second Vice President, Southeastern Regional Director, Western Regional Director, and Private Sector Director. All nominees must be current members in good standing and current Emergency Number Professionals (ENPs). Nominees for the position of Regional Director must reside in the region they wish to represent.

Nomination / Election Documents:

• Nomination Form - PDF
• Executive Board Statement of Responsibilities - PDF
• Request for Paper Ballot - PDF

The nomination deadline is March 14, 2014. Contact Bri Robinson with any questions about the nomination process, eligibility requirements, or general election details.

 

Not Receiving NENA Mail?

Make sure the addresses (email and postal) that we have on file for you are current! Please log in to your online member account to verify or update your information, or send an email to Bri Robinson.

 

NENA Member Spotlight: Kelle Hall, Communications Manager, Highland Park (TX) DPS

This new special feature will highlight individual NENA Members from various backgrounds, industry segments, experience, and geographic locations. It offers members an opportunity to share their story with their colleagues and the greater NENA community. Click here to email NENA Member Services Director Bri Robinson if we should feature you or someone you know.

NENA: Tell us a little bit about who you are, where you’re from, what you do, and your history with NENA ...

Kelle Hall: My name is Kelle Hall. I am the proud parent of two brilliant, successful, independent children who have followed my footsteps and now also work in police communications. My son, Ben, is 26 and works for the Amarillo Emergency Communications Center in Amarillo, Texas. My daughter, Elizabeth, is 25 and works for the Garland, Texas Police Department. My daughter-in-law, Brandilyn, works in the banking industry as a trainer, but we won’t hold that against her!

NENA: What does 9-1-1 mean to you?

KH: 9-1-1 signifies a lifeline. To the person hiding in her closet because someone has broken into her home, 9-1-1 is help on the way. To the child who doesn’t know her address, but learned how to dial 9-1-1 at daycare, it’s a safety net. 9-1-1 means technology and industry standards. It’s hard to believe one can send a text message to a center, requesting help. I still remember when texting was very foreign and you had to push the 7 three times quickly to get the letter "R" to appear. Wow ... as time rolls on, so does our technology. Being a 9-1-1 operator means bearing a great deal of responsibility, but the rewards are endless.

Click here to read more from Kelle's interview...

 

FCC Chairman's Blog - Access and Public Safety: Enduring Elements of the Public Interest

From fcc.gov....

"Technology and networks are rapidly changing. We support technological innovation, but our challenge is preserving the values that consumers and businesses have come to expect from their networks – universal access, public safety, competition, and consumer protection. That’s why earlier today, the Commission launched a broad set of voluntary experiments meant to ensure that the nation’s communications networks continue to provide the services consumers want and need as users and companies transition from plain old telephone service delivered over copper lines to wireless devices or other voice services using Internet Protocols, delivered over coaxial cable, fiber, or wireless networks.

The Commission also took a critical step to ensure wireless consumers will be able to reach 911 via text messaging – a capability that is critical and potentially life-saving for Americans who are hard-of-hearing.

Our mission is to ensure that as network providers and their customers upgrade to new technologies, there is no downgrade in reliability, availability, public safety, and competition."

Click here to continue reading...

 

NENA Applauds FCC Actions at Jan. 30 Open Meeting

NENA released the following statement after the FCC's January Open Meeting that addressed text-to-9-1-1 and IP-transition issues:

On behalf of thousands of 9-1-1 professionals across the US and the public we serve, NENA: The 9-1-1 Association expresses great appreciation of the FCC's twin actions to advance 9-1-1 technology. "By making sure that the preservation of public safety, including 9-1-1 access and network reliability, is a key requirement for any IP transition trials, the Commission has made clear that consumers will continue to have access to emergency services now and into the future, regardless of changes in network technology," said Trey Forgety, NENA's Director of Government Affairs. "This will help lay the foundation for a faster and more widespread deployment of critical Next Generation 9-1-1 services." 

Forgety continued, "One such service was also advanced by the Commission today. Text-to-9-1-1 will initially be deployed as an extension of current E9-1-1 systems, but will ultimately be a core service of Next Generation 9-1-1 systems. To better serve individuals with hearing and speech disabilities, better protect victims of domestic violence and home invasions, and better connect with consumers when voice service is overloaded, text-to-9-1-1 must be made available as widely as possible and as soon as possible. That means carriers and PSAPs alike must move swiftly to bring this new capability to consumers, and today's action by the FCC will help to make that possible. NENA looks forward to working with the PSAP community to meet Chairman Wheeler's challenge to enable ubiquitous PSAP receipt of text messages." 

 

Get the Emergency Communications News That Really Matters With Public Safety SmartBrief

NENA recently launched a FREE email news service called Public Safety SmartBrief. It provides a weekly summary of news, trends, and updates on public safety issues - not just 9-1-1, but police, fire, and EMS. Knowledgeable editors handpick key articles from hundreds of publications, summarize them, and provide direct links to the original sources.

 

Enhanced Career Center Now Available

 

Budget Now to Attend...

 

Bob Woodruff to Keynote NENA 2014

 

Two New Hotels Added to NENA 2014 Block

 

Save the Dates...

03.23-26.14 | 9-1-1 Goes to Washington | Arlington, VA

06.14-19.14 | NENA 2014 Conference & Expo | Nashville, TN

10.05-08.14 | NENA Development Conference | Orlando, FL

10.04-07.15 | NENA Development Conference | Austin, TX

10.02-05.16 | NENA Development Conference | Austin, TX

 

02.05.14 - Webinar Wednesday: Dispatcher Versus the Disaster - Online Live or On-Demand - Register here!

02.24-28.14 - Center Manager Certification Program - Parsippany, NJ - Register here!

03.10-14.14 - Center Manager Certification Program - Marysville, OH - Register here!

03.23.14 - Leadership in the 9-1-1 Center - Arlington, VA (9-1-1 Goes to Washington)

03.31-04.04.14 - Center Manager Certification Program - Pikesville, MD

04.11.14 - Liability Issues in the 9-1-1 Center - Schaumburg, IL (NENA Education Summit) - Register here!

04.12.14 - Caught in the Middle: A Guide to Middle Management - Schaumburg, IL (NENA Education Summit) - Register here!

04.13.14 - Overcoming Negativity in the Comm Center - Schaumburg, IL (NENA Education Summit) - Register here!

04.28.14 - Quality Assurance Beyond Call Taking - Orlando, FL (IAED Navigator)

04.29.14 - Caught in the Middle: A Guide to Middle Management - Orlando, FL (IAED Navigator)

05.12-16.14 - Center Manager Certification Program - Seattle, WA

05.14.14 - From Ostrich to Eagle: Improving the PSAP Work Culture - Virginia Beach, VA (VA NENA Conference)

06.11-15.14 - Center Manager Certification Program - Nashville, TN (NENA 2014)
06.14.14 - Training the 9-1-1 Trainer - Nashville, TN (NENA 2014)

06.14.14 - Supervisory Development: A Guide to Moving Ahead in Your Career - Nashville, TN (NENA 2014)

06.14-15.14 - SOP SOS - Nashville, TN (NENA 2014)

06.14.14 - Interpersonal Skills - Nashville, TN (NENA 2014)

06.15.14 - Liability Issues in the 9-1-1 Center - Nashville, TN (NENA 2014)

06.15.14 - Comm Center Staffing Workshop - Nashville, TN (NENA 2014)

06.15.14 - Caught in the Middle: A Guide to Middle Management - Nashville, TN (NENA 2014)

06.15.14 - Developing a Quality Assurance Program from Call to End of Incident - Nashville, TN (NENA 2014)

06.15.14 - Understanding Databases in NG9-1-1 - Nashville, TN (NENA 2014)

08.13.14 - Overcoming Negativity in the Comm Center - Salt Lake City, UT (NENA Education Summit)

08.14.14 - Caught in the Middle: A Guide to Middle Management - Salt Lake City, UT (NENA Education Summit)

08.15.14 - Customer Service for 9-1-1 Professionals - Salt Lake City, UT (NENA Education Summit)

09.05.14 - Customer Service for 9-1-1 Professionals - Sacramento, CA (NENA Education Summit)

09.06.14 - Developing a Quality Assurance Program from Call to End of Incident - Sacramento, CA (NENA Education Summit)

09.07.14 - Caught in the Middle: A Guide to Middle Management - Sacramento, CA (NENA Education Summit)

09.15-19.14 - Center Manager Certification Program - Waterbury, CT

Questions? Want to bring a course directly to you? 
Visit our Host a Course page to find out how you can bring it directly to you. You can also contact NENA's Education & Operational Issues Director, Ty Wooten, for additional information.