Courtney began her career with the City of Lawton in August 2018 and quickly rose to the rank of Shift Supervisor by March 2022. Her coworkers describe this promotion as a “direct reflection of her staunch loyalty to the dispatch center and her job performance.”
Teammates-in-Action: Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1 Communications Officer
On August 22, 2023, at 21:26, an Eastern Shore of Virginia 9-1-1 Communications Officer processed an EMS call for a male patient who advised he had alcohol poisoning and wanted to go to detox.
APCO Launches New Certification Course: Communications Center Manager
APCO International announces the release of its newest course, Communications Center Manager, 1st Edition.
Dispatching in the Drone Zones
Drones, also known as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), have emerged as increasingly valuable tools for first responders, revolutionizing how emergency personnel approach critical situations by being able to provide real-time aerial insights and capabilities that were once difficult or impossible to attain.
Teammates in Action: Crystal Mazeika-Pahl
On November 21, 2023, Communications Operator Crystal Mazeika-Pahl fielded a phone call from a mother who reported her eleven-month-old infant had drowned in the bathtub
APCO Offers Public Safety Perspective on National Spectrum Policies
On January 2, APCO submitted comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) regarding implementation of the National Spectrum Strategy, which was developed to ensure federal spectrum policy advances U.S. innovation, economic vitality, and security.
Teammates in Action: Misty Reid, Metro Nashville Department of Emergency Communications
On October 22, 2023, Telecommunicator Misty Reid with the Metro Nashville Department of Emergency Communications received a 9-1-1 call for a 79-year-old female who had fallen due to being short of breath.
Standing Up, Standing Behind the 9-1-1 SAVES Act
My fellow Atlantic Chapter of APCO member Tim Cunningham and I were honored to have been invited to literally stand behind Rep. Norma J. Torres (CA-D-34) and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-R-1) along with other members of the 9-1-1 community as they gave their remarks during the introduction ceremony for H.R. 6319 9-1-1 SAVES Act.
Young Professional Spotlight: Sarah Bates, City of Tulsa
Sarah’s PSC career began unexpectedly in 2010 when she applied and was hired for dispatch in Osage County. She spent her first two years falling in love with the field and, in 2012, took an opportunity at the City of Tulsa dispatch center, where she currently serves as the PSC Training Coordinator.
Teammates in Action: Alexandra, Denver 911
She earned Denver’s “Stork Award” for completing the protocol perfectly and delivering the baby while on the phone with the grandmother.
