PSC eNews Weekly

APCO Joins Public Safety Leaders to Champion FirstNet Reauthorization

Earlier this week APCO joined leaders from the nation’s most prominent public safety organizations to urge lawmakers on Capitol Hill to swiftly and permanently reauthorize the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) before its legislative sunset in February 2027. APCO and the other groups met with more than 15 senators and representatives to advocate for FirstNet reauthorization.
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APCO AI Summit Is Almost Here

If you haven't already registered, there's still time to join us at the APCO AI Summit, taking place October 7-8 in Orlando, Florida. Earn 12 CDEs, hear lessons learned from your peers and check out the latest AI technologies that are available for 9-1-1.
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APCO Expands on Recommendations for FCC Action to Improve Interoperability and Reliability for NG9-1-1 Systems

On September 17, APCO filed reply comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in response to its Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on improving interoperability and reliability for NG9-1-1. Building on initial comments filed in August, APCO called for covered 9-1-1 service providers to be defined by their role in delivering and supporting 9-1-1 communications, urged the adoption of reliability and interoperability requirements (including real-world testing) to ensure these features are built into NG9-1-1 networks from the start, and reiterated support for a standard definition of interoperability so that all stakeholders can work from a shared understanding of what interoperability means. APCO looks forward to continuing to work with the FCC and other stakeholders to facilitate the transition to NG9-1-1 nationwide.

Upcoming Webinars

[NEW!] Public Safety Vehicle Communications: How Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) Strengthens Security
October 15 | 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. ET
Sponsored by Aviat Networks
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Modern law enforcement vehicles are more connected than ever—housing mobile data terminals (MDTs), body cameras, biometric scanners, ANPR systems and more. With this complexity comes a critical need for secure, segmented networking. Join Aviat Networks for an in-depth webinar exploring how Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) technology enhances mobile public safety routers.

Telecommunicator Mental Wellness: Silent No More
October 2 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET
Sponsored by Eventide
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APCO Hails Senate Passage of the Enhancing First Response Act

Last week the Enhancing First Response Act (S.725) passed the U.S. Senate. This legislation directs the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to reclassify public safety telecommunicators as “protective service” occupations in the federal government’s catalog of occupations, correcting their current miscategorization as “administrative/clerical” workers and recognizing the lifesaving nature of their work. This is the first time that reclassification legislation has passed a chamber of Congress.
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Share Your Insights at the APCO Wellness & Workforce Summit

Want to make a direct impact on the future of emergency communications centers (ECCs)? We invite you to be part of the APCO Wellness & Workforce Summit — taking place February 18-19 in Phoenix, Arizona. No matter your position within your ECC—frontline telecommunicator, supervisor, director, trainer or industry partner—we want to hear from you! Topics could include:

Supporting the well-being of your team (and yourself)
How expectations in the ECC are shifting
Recruitment and staffing challenges—what’s working, what’s not
Strategies for improving employee retention
Creating and maintaining a strong ECC culture
Lessons you’ve learned, bold ideas you’ve tried, or even tough questions we should be asking

The call for speakers will close on October 3. Visit the website to learn more and submit your proposal.