PA APCO Conference
Proposed Conference sessions
Telecommunicator Track:
Problem-Oriented Dispatching
Responder PTSD & Suicide
So You’re A Dispatcher, Now What? Tips for Professional Growth & Industry Involvement
Ripples – Is Your Call Taking Creating Positive Ripples?
Unified Command and Mission Critical Communications during Critical Events
Verbal De-Escalation for Emergency Responders (3-hour course)
Management Track:
The Power of Peer Support for Leaders
Agency Training Certification – You Can Do This!
Tough Times: Facing PSAP Culture Head On
Treating Recruitment Candidates as Customers – Changing Our View on Recruitment
Building Your Agency’s Public Education Program
Managing Conflict (3-hour course)
Technical Track:
In-Building Wireless Coverage: Public Safety and Cellular An Introductory to DAS Networks
Cybersecurity in the PSAP
Emerging Technologies Enhancing Public Safety Response
Using Z-axis & Indoor Location Technology to Locate 9-1-1 Callers Faster
How Technology Can Improve Roadway Safety & Traffic Incident Management
Situational Awareness for PSAP & 9-1-1 Telecommunicators
(2 additional sessions not yet named — see session overview document for details)
Lesson Learned:
Schuylkill County I-81 Incident
Other:
PEMA Update
Nominations are open for the PA APCO Public-Safety Awards
The PA APCO Annual Spring Conference is a great place to recognize your Public Safety Communications Co-Workers, Supervisors, Managers/Directors, and Support Staff who have demonstrated the highest level of performance in the practice of Public Safety Communications. Tell us their amazing stories so we can share them with others! Nobody knows more about the “big stuff happening” than the Telecommunicators! YOU know about all the big calls, good and bad, how well the “equipment guy” takes care of the equipment, who has the best bosses, the best CAD/IT person, you are the ones that hear the most patient and knowledgeable trainers, and most of all, you know when you work with the BEST TEAM AROUND!
Each year at the conference the PA APCO Board presents an award to a recipient that is nominated in each of the following categories:
• Telecommunicator of the Year
• Communications Center Manager or Director of the Year
• Supervisor of the Year
• Information Technologist of the Year
• Trainer of the Year
• Team of the Year
Who’s eligible?
Nominees must have been employed in the applicable category by a Public Safety Agency between April 1, 2022 and March 1, 2023. Nominees are not required to be members of APCO. Nominations must have approval of the Center Manager/Director.
Nomination deadline is March 1, 2023.
Please return nominations to Dave Wiker at wikerfire@verizon.net
What do the award winners receive?
Award recipients will receive a free conference registration (hotel cost not included) for the PA APCO 2023 Spring Conference and be recognized by their peers from around the state during the Vendor Reception on Tuesday evening, April 4, 2023.
What information to provide on the Nominee?
Describe the nominee’s public safety communications agency. Please include staffing levels, size, and discipline (Law, Fire, EMS, ECC only, etc.).
Describe the nominee’s daily and additional pertinent duties and responsibilities.
How long has the nominee been at this job? Do they have any previous public safety communications experience?
How does the nominee demonstrate his/her knowledge of the profession and flexibility in task assignments? Provide an example of how the nominee goes above and beyond what may be required of an individual in this position.
Describe the nominee’s overall performance throughout the year.
In one page or less, describe why the nominee should receive the award.
