The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International announces the recipients of the 2026 9-1-1 Impact Awards, who will be honored during an awards reception in Washington, D.C. The 9-1-1 Impact Awards provide a unique opportunity to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to public safety communications while celebrating the collective achievements of our community.
February Only: $20 Discount on Select Course Dates
Through February 28, all 9-1-1 professionals an receive $20 off select dates for some of our most popular core courses.
This special discount promotion is only available during the month of February and on select course dates, so don’t miss your chance to save. Discounts will be reflected at checkout.
Nominations Are Open for ECC and Technology Leadership Awards
The APCO awards honor the everyday heroes in emergency communications, as well as ECCs that exemplify technological excellence. The deadline to submit your nomination is April 1. All award winners will be honored at APCO 2026, August 2-5, in San Antonio, Texas.
Upcoming Webinars
- The Role of Over the Top (OTT) Applications and Services in NG9-1-1
February 25, 2026 | 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET - Empowering Local Alerting: Using IPAWS to Protect Your Community
March 4, 2026 | 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET
Free for members; $59 for non-members | Worth 1 CDE
APCO Scholarship Program Is Open
Are you an APCO member looking to advance your career with APCO Institute training but need financial assistance? APCO scholarships are available exclusively for APCO members and can be used for APCO Institute courses and leadership programs.
Key deadlines:
- RPL Scholarships: Applications due by March 1
- General Scholarships: Applications due by April 1
- CPE Scholarships: CLOSED
Being an APCO member has added immeasurable value to my professional and personal growth. As a member, you have access to top-notch resources, industry expertise and the opportunity to join a networking powerhouse.
Keeping You Up to Date
APCO is your source for public safety communications news that affects you, your job and your community.
Agencies Receive APCO Agency Training Program Accreditation
Public safety agencies use the APCO International Agency Training Program Accreditation as a formal mechanism to ensure their training programs meet APCO American National Standards (ANS).
APCO CEO and Executive Director Mel Maier Testifies in Congress on FirstNet Reauthorization
On January 28, APCO CEO and Executive Director Mel Maier testified before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media at a hearing titled “On the Front Lines of Connectivity: Examining FirstNet’s Role in Public Safety.”
CPE Class 19 Graduates From APCO’s Certified Public-Safety Executive Program
APCO International is pleased to announce that the following individuals have recently earned the Certified Public-Safety Executive (CPE) designation.
Silent Key: Bernard Joseph “Buster” Brown
Bernard Joseph “Buster” Brown, a dedicated APCO member of Estill Springs, Tennessee, passed away January 15. Brown, the assistant director of the Rutherford County (Tennessee) Emergency Communications District in Murfreesboro, was an APCO member for 20 years.
Bills to Support Public Safety Communications Advance in the House of Representatives
On January 21, 2026 the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced the Emergency Reporting Act (H.R. 5200) and the Kari’s Law Report Act (H.R. 5201), bills that will help ensure access to 9-1-1 and improve situational awareness regarding network outages that can affect calls to 9-1-1.
Thank You to Our Partners
Corporate Partner Spotlight
Launched in 1996, OnStar is a wholly owned subsidiary of GM Holdings LLC (“GM”) and offers emergency, security and navigation services in Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac models. OnStar offers a range of safety and security services such as Automatic Crash Response, Emergency Services and Stolen Vehicle Assistance.
