We’re only a few weeks out from APCO 2025, taking place July 27–30 in Baltimore! Don’t miss your chance to be part of the year’s biggest event for public safety communications. Register now and get ready for four days of learning, networking and special events!
Can't make it for the entire conference? Day passes are also available.
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On July 7, APCO International First Vice President Jack Varnado served as a panelist during the FCC Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau's Hurricane Season Resiliency Roundtable. The event focused on lessons learned from recent hurricane seasons and strategies to strengthen coordination between all stakeholders. During the discussion, Varnado reflected on his experience during Hurricane Ida to emphasize the importance of keeping 9-1-1 systems resilient and fully operational during and after severe weather events. He highlighted the need for emergency communications centers to receive timely, actionable information about outages that may impact 9-1-1 and stressed the value of open lines of communication and regular collaboration between public safety agencies, communications and utilities service providers, and government partners before, during and after a severe weather event.
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APCO has filed a Project Initiation with ANSI to revise and redesignate the APCO/NENA American National Standard (ANS) Emergency Communications Center (ECC) Service Capability Criteria Rating Scale. This standard focuses on refining the definitive assessment tool that enables ECC managers to objectively evaluate their operational capabilities and identify clear pathways to optimal preparedness.
The working groups will meet virtually on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 11:00 a.m. ET for 50-minute sessions. To apply, complete the online application at Join a Working Group; the deadline to sign up is July 31. For more information contact standards@apcointl.org, or visit our website.
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The APCO Illuminations CDE Program, offered by the APCO Institute, is an annual subscription-based continuing education initiative designed for public safety communications professionals. Taught by APCO Institute adjunct instructors, the program features three specialized tracks to choose from — EMD, CTO and a general track. The annual subscription program is delivered entirely online and allows students to earn 12 CDEs annually through topic-specific courses that change monthly (quarterly for CTO Track).
Register now to access upcoming topics:
The cost for an annual subscription is $125 for APCO members and $145 for non-members. Group discounts are available.
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The APCO course Disaster Operations and the Communications Center, 2nd Edition prepares public safety communications professionals to handle diverse disaster situations effectively. This course prepares telecommunicators and other emergency communications center (ECC) staff on a wide range of topics, including ECC continuity of operations and the role of the ECC in emergency operations plans. Discussions also focus on how local and state plans fit into the larger scheme of U.S. Homeland Security and national response doctrines on disaster readiness and recovery. Worth 16 CDEs.
Upcoming course dates: 8/13 - 9/2 (Online) | 9/2 - 9/3 (Virtual) | More course dates
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This month, we are thrilled to shine the spotlight on someone who’s not only leveling up in Pokémon Go but also in the world of public safety! An “Oklahoma transplant,” Iris Harris grew up all over before officially settling down in 2016. Laid-back and easy-going, she enjoys reading, listening to music and game nights with family and friends. Oh, and if you see someone wandering the neighborhood on foot with their phone held high, don’t worry, it’s probably just her catching Pokémon.
But how did she find her way into dispatching? Believe it or not, it started with sirens. One sunny day, she heard blaring storm sirens, had no idea what was happening and did what most of us would do — checked Facebook. That’s when she stumbled across a job opening with the 9-1-1 center and thought, “Why not?” She applied and got the job, and the rest is history.
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WTNH
More than 100 people turned out in support of Julius “Jules” Biehler, who “has always answered the call.”
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WLKY CBS
Anthony Gore helped the father deliver his child when it was too late for the couple to leave for the hospital.
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Gunnison Country Times
Officials stress that children won’t get in trouble for calling, that police are coming to help them, and they should learn how to describe their location.
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KJC News 8 ABC
It’s one of the busiest days of the year for public safety telecommunicators in Grand Junction, Colorado, though fireworks use was restricted due to the risk of fire.
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Originally published in the July/August 2025 PSC Magazine.
We work in an industry that is both demanding and rewarding. We are first first responders, not clerical administrators. We serve as the link between people in need or experiencing their worst day and the women and men who rush to their aid. We’re the calm. We are the voices in times of crisis.
Right now, many of our centers are experiencing staffing shortages, burnout, callouts and resignations. Some of us are experiencing budget constraints. Some of us are becoming disenchanted with the work. Public safety telecommunicators are struggling with maintaining mental well-being. Despite all this, most of us remain dedicated to our centers, to our field responders and to the industry.
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