The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International is pleased to announce Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D., as a recipient of the 2026 9-1-1 Impact Awards. Congressman Dunn, along with his fellow 2026 9-1-1 Impact Award recipients, exemplifies a strong commitment to advancing public safety communications. 

The role of the telecommunicator has transformed from call taker to real-time information navigator: a professional who manages dozens of inputs, interprets live data, coaches panicked callers, anticipates responder needs and makes high-stakes decisions with limited information.

On March 11, Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ted Budd (R-NC) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced the Next Generation 9-1-1 Act in the U.S. Senate. APCO International celebrates the introduction of another bipartisan effort to strengthen the nation’s commitment to modern, resilient emergency communications.