On December 16, APCO President Jack Varnado, testified before the House Energy and Commerce Communications and Technology Subcommittee at a hearing titled "Legislative Improvements to Public Safety Communications in the United States." Varnado emphasized the urgent need to modernize 9-1-1 systems to NG9-1-1, supported legislation to ensure reliable access to 9-1-1, even during disasters, and highlighted the importance of equipping first responders with advanced communications capabilities.
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Learn how your ECC can foster healthier workplaces at APCO’s Wellness & Workforce Summit in Phoenix, Arizona, February 18-19. Attend expert-led sessions, including:
- Beyond Today: Shaping Wellness, Staffing and Culture in 9-1-1
- Reigniting Purpose: Inspiring Passion and Boosting Recruitment in Public Safety Communications
- Paws and Peer Support: Enhancing Dispatcher Wellness Through Therapy Dog Integration
- People-Driven Leadership: The Missing Link in Recruitment and Retention
- Culture Under Pressure: Leading ECCs Through Change
And more! Early registration ends January 27 — register now and book your room before prices increase!
Register
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Exhibitors, time is running out to lock in the best rate for APCO 2026! Reserve your booth by December 31 at 11:59 p.m. to save $3 per square foot on booth fees! Don’t miss your chance to make an impact at our annual conference by connecting with new customers and showcasing your equipment to key decision makers in the public safety communications industry. Prices increase January 1 — book your booth now!
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As swatting calls continue to rise nationwide, APCO and PSTA seek insights from ECC personnel to better understand these incidents and improve future response efforts. By taking the survey, you directly support the development of a best practices guide aimed at identifying, responding to and reducing the impact of swatting threats. If you haven't already, please complete the survey by January 30. All responses are confidential.
Take the survey
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On December 18, the Federal Communications Commission set effective dates for new rules enhancing the multilingual capabilities for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs). Beginning June 12, 2028, wireless service providers that participate in WEA will be required to support alerts in the 13 most common U.S. languages. When alert originators choose to send a multilingual alert, they will be able to select from pre-written templates that allow the message to appear automatically in the user's default device language. These updates will help ensure that critical lifesaving information reaches more people quickly and clearly.
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Please note that a scheduled system update for APCO’s online course platform will take place from December 29 through January 2. During this time the site will be in maintenance mode, and students will not have access. Please plan accordingly.
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APCO is still accepting applications for APCO’s Certified Public-Safety Executive (CPE) Program, Class 20. The CPE Program is an industry-renowned executive leadership program designed specifically for leaders in emergency communications. Graduates earn the CPE designation and join a growing national network committed to advancing public safety communications. The application deadline is January 15.
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Registration is now open for APCO’s Fundamentals of Tactical Dispatch course. This course builds and enhances the knowledge and skills telecommunicators need to effectively support tactical and incident dispatch operations. Interactive training includes real-world scenarios and practical exercises that address the challenges of responding to major events and critical incidents. Available online February 11 - March 3, or in the APCO Virtual Classroom February 19 - 20. The course is worth 16 CDEs, and additional 2026 dates are available.
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Enhance your technical expertise and training with APCO and IWA Technical Services’ upcoming training classes. These courses will take place June 1-12, 2026, at APCO Headquarters in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Courses include:
- General Communications Technician (GCT) - Level 1 & Level 2
- Antenna Line Sweep
- Radio Frequency Interference Mitigation
Stay tuned for more information — registration will open early next year.
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WSFA 12
Tallapoosa County added a full‑time therapy dog named Echo to its communications center to comfort telecommunicators after traumatic calls and help reduce stress.
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KTAR News
Phoenix’s system now asks callers if they need behavioral health help in addition to police or fire, letting telecommunicators send mental health specialists and appropriate responders to crises, aiming to improve outcomes and reduce unnecessary police responses.
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FOX 26 News
The program offers students hands‑on training on real communications consoles to simulate emergency call handling and help build a future telecommunicator workforce.
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The Modesto Bee
LeAnn Riley was honored as a 2025 Star of Life by the American Ambulance Association.
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The APCO Institute offers online, in-person and virtual courses to meet all learning needs. Earn CDEs for recertification and gain new skills with an upcoming course.
Online and Virtual Classroom Courses
In-Person Courses
View all upcoming courses
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