CHAPTER NEWS & BUSINESS

 

 

Terry Hall Running for APCO International Second Vice President

 

Terry Hall (York County) has announced his candidacy to the Board of Officers for APCO International in running for Second Vice President.  As Chapter members may remember, the Virginia Chapter Board of Officers along with the Virginia Chapter Membership previously voted to support Terry in his candidacy.  Before being able to announce his candidacy, Terry had to apply for and receive official confirmation from Past President Willis Carter that the Credentials Committee had completed their review and accepted his packet for candidacy for Second Vice President.

 

Terry has worked diligently with APCO for over twenty years, getting to know and working with many Chapter members, whether it was on a piece of legislation, serving on a committee, or as an Executive Council member.  Terry joined APCO as a commercial vendor for the first five years of his active twenty year membership.  For the past fifteen years, he has served in the membership as a public safety professional.  During this time, he has been honored to serve in the position of President of the Virginia Chapter twice, as Treasurer of the Virginia chapter, and as legislative chair for the past ten years.  He currently serves as the Chapter’s delegate to the International Executive Council. Highlighting some of the efforts he has been a part of are:

 

Ø       APCO Project Locate for the Commonwealth of Virginia

Ø       Served as co-chair for PBX MLTS for Virginia

Ø       Served on APCO International Strategic Planning Committee

Ø       Chaired the Eastern Virginia PSAP Managers

Ø       Chaired the APCO International Homeland Security Committee

Ø       Chaired APCO International’s MAPP Committee

Ø       Chaired two successful East Coast conferences, and served on numerous committees for both APCO International and APCO Virginia

 

In addition, he has been honored by receiving numerous awards and commendations in recognition of the work that has helped to advance the goals and objectives of both APCO and Public Safety Telecommunications.  Among the awards were the Governors Award for Excellence 2006 and the APCO International Communications Director of the Year in 2006.  He has also previously served in appointment capacity from the Governor of Virginia to the E-911 Wireless Services Board. 

 

Currently, he manages a consolidated communications Center in York County, and has done so for the past fifteen years.  He is a sworn deputy and a member of the Virginia 1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team.  A past member of Virginia 2 Urban Search & Rescue, he has had the honor of numerous deployments to hurricanes, including Katrina, Rita, and Gustav.

 

Terry has made a conscious decision to commit to the mission and goals of APCO and has been active as well as proactive within the organization to be part of creating and applying solutions rather than settling for the status quo. In believing that we can always strive to do better and to be better, Terry has exemplified the public safety professional through the presentation and enacting of new ideas and innovations within our industry not only to the benefit of individual organizations, but public safety as a whole.

 

Message from Terry,

 “I believe that the time is right for me to take this step, and it is the right thing to do.  I support without reservation APCO’s mission and goals, and the membership that provides the highest quality of public safety to our citizens.  I have approached my bid to run for this important office with careful thought and consideration of what the office entails.  I am humble and proud that I have the total support of the Virginia Board and the membership to run for this office.  I also have the support of my family and employer.  It has always been an honor to be a part of a membership driven association such as APCO, which provides leadership, influences public safety communications decisions, promotes professional development, and fosters the development and use of technology for the benefit of the public.  I look forward to the opportunity to serve.”

 

Terry is available to answer questions at any time and can be reached via e-mail or phone (757) 890-3620.  For more information, visit TerryHall2009.org.

 

APCO International Announces Awards Program for 2009

 

Virginia Chapter members Steve Souder (Fairfax) and Tom Hanson (Charlottesville-Albemarle-UVA) are two of six sub-committee Chairs on the APCO International Awards Committee. Last year, the committee undertook a major initiative to invigorate the awards program with the goal to involve more members on the awards committee, heighten awareness of the program, and garner more nominations received annually.  On October 27, 2008, APCO International announced the revised award titles and released the completely revised nomination forms on the APCO website at:  

 

http://www.apcointl.org/new/membership/awards.php

 

The awards are:

 

APCO International Public Safety Communications…..

 

Telecommunicator of the Year

Line Supervisor of the Year

Trainer of the Year

Communications Center Director of the Year

Radio Frequency Technologist of the Year

Information Technologist of the Year

 

These awards are presented at the annual APCO International Conference and Exposition, next year to be held in Las Vegas, NV on August 16-20, 2009. 

 

Our chapter was the first to meet after the nominations forms were posted and this subject was an item of discussion at the chapter meeting providing an early “heads-up” to our members.  You are encouraged to begin thinking of public safety communications personnel in Virginia to nominate for these prestigious awards and be ready to do so beginning January 2, 2009, when the nomination period begins, and before it ends on April 1, 2009.

 

Additionally, Virginia Chapter Awards Committee Chair Denise Torelli (Fairfax County) announced that the Chapter’s Awards Committee is in the process of revising its award program to be more in sync with that of APCO International’s, so that the Chapter’s annual Telecommunicator of the Year, etc, awardees might be eligible for nomination by the Chapter….. for APCO International award recognition.  Stay tuned for updates.  The Virginia Chapter’s telecommunicator Awards Program is highlighted on the Telecommunicator Awards page.

 

 

 

Message From Your Chapter President

 

Virginia APCO Chapter President Carol Adams delivered the following remarks to those in attendance at the APCO Business Meeting on Friday, October 31.  Her comments are extended to the entire membership…

 

 

Good morning fellow VA APCO / NENA members and guests.

           

Thank you very much for the honor of serving as your President for the coming year.  I look forward to the challenge of leading the Virginia Chapter of APCO – an organization I am very proud to represent.

 

It has taken the dedication and hard work of many people, such as you, to build this association.  Today, the Virginia Chapter of APCO represents more than 700 professional public safety communication workers. 

 

I have learned much from the opportunity to work closely with your APCO Board over the past several years and during the past year with Linda Goodridge and I’m sure you would join me in saying a heartfelt thank you to Linda for all she has done.

 

Under the leadership of my predecessors, our association has taken a major role in advocating for the public safety community in the Commonwealth.  We have brought our views and concerns for activities that affect our industry to the attention of those who bear interest in our organization and what it represents.  We have worked to ensure representation of the PSAPs when public safety communications should or does play a role in the activities of a group, whether public or private.  I believe that ensuring these groups have knowledge through education of VA APCO and the important role this organization and each of you play is paramount to our continued growth and development.  One of the purposes laid out in our constitution identifies that we are to foster the development and progress of public safety communications and I along with this Board and your support will continue to meet that challenge.

 

Our world is constantly changing.  It is changing by leaps and bounds.  The technology here today is gone tomorrow and there is something in its place.  Many times the technology comes before the tools to do our jobs have been fully developed which brings additional challenges.  Our Constitution also identifies one of our purposes is to provide technical and operational expertise.  Through outreach and networking, whether on a day-to-day basis or through education at conferences, we each have a responsibility to help each other.  Many of these challenges are not well known and many are difficult to get our hands around, but each of us should know that we are not alone.  We have each other and the skills and expertise each brings and we have this organization. 

 

With the dedicated work of this Board which was just elected and who have taken their oath of office, we have genuine opportunities to advance the organization, providing help and support to each other. 

 

I am hopeful to make the next 12 months productive ones.  And, of course, for the organization as a whole to be productive, it will require teamwork.  All members of the Board will be called upon to remain active participants.  Our committees will be charged with responsibilities to support our and your efforts to move this organization forward.

 

It will require the energy of all of us to continue to move this association forward.  It will take a collective effort to strengthen the profession, the trust of the responder community and the public trust throughout the Commonwealth.

 

Of course, the biggest challenge we all face is time.  We all have career commitments, family duties and other personal obligations to try to balance.  Finding the time to accomplish our association’s goals is not easy, but we will make the time and provide open communication to get the job done.

 

Repeated concerns that I have heard over years involve training and retirement benefits.  I believe great strides have been made over recent years to enhance and provide more affordable training opportunities.  That doesn’t mean there isn’t more that can be done.  The other are the expressed concerns over retirement for dispatchers.  Legislation was put forward a couple of years ago, spear-headed by a group from the Charlottesville / Albemarle / UVA PSAP.  I believe there is still unfinished business here.  It is a task that has been worked on for many years and has proven to have many challenges.  I do not believe that there is a quick over-night solution and it will, not may, take many years to accomplish, but I do believe with much preparation we can through education, outreach and planning to make the best effort we can to put our case forward.  Through efforts of individuals throughout the Commonwealth, this Board and our legislative committee, I am hopeful that one day this important benefit will become a reality.

 

As president of the Virginia Chapter of APCO, I pledge to you that we will continue to enhance the profession, of which we are all so proud to belong.  We will continue to advocate for the interests of the public safety professional community in the Commonwealth.  And we will continue to represent your views with other associations and state and local government entities.

 

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you once again for the opportunity to serve as president of Virginia APCO.  I look forward to working with you over the next year.  And thank you for attending this conference.

 

 

2008 Virginia APCO/NENA Fall Conference A Huge Success!

 

The Virginia Chapter of APCO extends its appreciation to all presenters, exhibitors, and attendees who made the 2008 Virginia APCO/NENA Fall Conference & Exposition in Roanoke on October 29-31, 2008 a huge success.  Presentations from the conference are available for viewing and/or download on the Chapter Conferences page.

Chapter Officers Elected and Installed for 2008-2009

 

The Election of Officers of the Virginia Chapter of APCO was held at the annual meeting in Roanoke, Virginia, on October 31, 2008.

 

Carol Adams (Stafford County) assumed the office of President and Denise Torelli (Fairfax County) assumed the office of President-Elect.  Linda Goodridge (Fredericksburg) became the Immediate Past President and was recognized for her outstanding leadership as president over the past year. 

 

Karen Johnson (New Kent County), who served as Secretary for the past year, was elected Vice President, and Julie McKercher (James City County) was elected as Secretary for the 2008-2009 year.  Melinda Bramley (Virginia Beach ECC) was re-elected Treasurer.

 

Terry Hall (York County) was reelected to serve as the Chapter Delegate to the APCO International Executive Council.

 

Phil Heins (Hanover County) and Steve Basnett (Culpeper County) were elected as Executive Council Delegates (At Large Members) to the Chapter’s Executive Council for a two-year term (2008-2010).  They join Jim Junkins (Harrisonburg-Rockingham ECC) and Ron Wade (Roanoke City) who were elected to two-year terms as Executive Council Delegates (2007-2009) last year.

 

NICE Announces the 2008 PSAPs’ Finest Award Winners

 

NICE has announced the winners of the 2008 PSAPs’ Finest Awards, an annual NICE Awards program that recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions to the field of Public Safety Communications. Awards are presented each year in four categories: Telecommunicator, Line Supervisor, Technician, and Communications Center Director of the Year. Among this year's PSAPs’ Finest Award recipients is Heather Davis of Virginia Beach. 

          TELECOMMUNICATOR OF THE YEAR (two-way tie)
          Shalise Hunter
          Communications Specialist III
          Kansas City, Missouri Police Department

          Heather Davis
          Telecommunicator III
          ECCS / Virginia Beach 9-1-1


Introduced in 2006 in conjunction with National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, NICE Systems’ PSAPs’ Finest Awards Program is now in its third year. Individuals are nominated by their public safety peers and then the most compelling nominees are selected. PSAPs’ Finest winners are chosen based upon a combination of criteria, including their specific contributions to public safety communications, their commendable handling of incidents, extraordinary dedication to their profession, length of public safety service, demonstrated leadership, depth of knowledge, innovative problem solving and creative thinking.

 

“I cannot think of any individuals more deserving of recognition than this year’s PSAPs’ Finest Award recipients,” said Chris Wooten, President of NICE Systems’ Security Division for the Americas. “They have truly gone above and beyond in service to their communities and to public safety.”

 

The Virginia Chapter of APCO joins in congratulating Heather on her outstanding dedication and commitment to 9-1-1.

 

Stafford’s Karen Roy Named Telecommunicator of the Year by APCO International

 

June 3, 2008, Stafford, Va. – The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International today announced the 2008 Telecommunicator of the Year Public Safety Award Program (PSAP) award to be presented to Karen Roy, communications officer at the Stafford County (Va.) Sheriff’s Office, at the Opening General Session of the APCO International 74th Annual Conference and Exposition in Kansas City, Mo. on August 4.

 

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office serves the approximate 121,000 citizens of the county with emergency call taking and dispatching not only for the Sheriff’s Office, but also for the Stafford County Fire-EMS Department with a total call volume of over 410,000 calls per year.

 

Roy has been with Stafford County since 2004 and is responsible for receiving, classifying, and processing emergency calls for service from over 50 telephone lines.  She also simultaneously dispatches calls for service for the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office via a radio communications system, documents all call and radio unit information, and assists with division cross training for other radio operators.

 

“She reacts to the needs of the public safety user agency members decisively, confidently, and in an expeditious manner as to even astound some of the users themselves with the level of skill and expertise she possesses,” Stafford County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Division Assistant Operations Manager Karen L. Hileman said of Roy.  “She strives to empower and refine her peers not by reverberating written policy and procedure but by just striving daily to be the best that she can be and never settling for mediocrity or falling complacent in her responsibilities.”

 

Roy was recently honored when her colleagues bestowed upon her the responsibility of paying homage to Deputy Jason Mooney, who was killed in a motor vehicle accident while on duty and communicating via radio with Roy at the time of his accident, by conducting the Last Call over the radio at his graveside and marking him off duty his final time. 

 

“APCO International congratulates Karen Roy on being named Telecommunicator of the Year,” APCO International President Willis Carter said.  “The work she has done in Stafford County is a great example of activities deserving of this great honor and the entire department should be proud of his award.”

 

The APCO International 74th Annual Conference and Exposition will be held August 3-7 at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Mo.  For more information on the APCO International 74th Annual Conference and Exposition, visit www.apco2008.org. 

 

 

Virginia T.E.R.T. Guidelines Released

 

The T.E.R.T. Steering Committee has released Guidelines and Application Information for the Virginia Telecommunicator Emergency Response Team Program.  Questions or comments may be directed to Committee Chair Julie P. McKercher, Director - James City County Emergency Communications.

 

Program Guidelines and Applications

Right Click and “Save File/Target As” to Download

 

 

 

Chapter Officers Elected and Installed for 2007-2008

 

The Election of Officers of the Virginia Chapter of APCO was held at the annual meeting in Charlottesville, Virginia, on October 19, 2007.

 

Linda Goodridge of Fredericksburg assumed the office of President and Carol Adams (Stafford Co.) assumed the office of President-Elect.  Bill Agee (Franklin Co.) became the Immediate Past President and was recognized for his outstanding leadership as president over the past year.  Terry Hall (York Co.) will continue to serve as the Chapter Delegate to the APCO International Executive Council.

 

New faces among the Virginia Chapter APCO officers are Denise Torelli (Fairfax County) who was elected Vice President and Karen Johnson (New Kent County) who was elected Secretary.  Kenneth S. Crumpler (Virginia Office of EMS), who faithfully served as Secretary during the past year, chose to not seek re-election due to other commitments.

                                                                                   

Melinda Bramley (Virginia Beach ECC) was re-elected Treasurer and Jim Junkins (Harrisonburg-Rockingham ECC) was re-elected as Executive Council Delegate (At Large Member) for a two-year term.                

 

 

Bylaws Changes Approved at Fall Meeting

The Constitution and By-Laws were amended at the Fall business meeting on Friday, October 19, 2007, in Charlottesville. 

SYNOPSIS OF CHANGES - CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

 

Resolution # 1

 

Intent:   To clarify wording in Section 2, paragraph 2.1 of page 9 concerning the wording of election of the Chapter President, President Elect and Immediate Past President.

 

      Section 2 - POSITIONS TO BE FILLED

 

2.1   The offices of President and President-Elect and Immediate Past President shall be filled by annual advancement in rank. (i.e. the existing Vice President advances to the office of President-Elect, the existing President-Elect advances to the office of President, and the existing President assumes the position of Immediate Past President)

 

Resolution # 2

 

Intent: The intent of this resolution is to update and add to Section 2, paragraphs 2.3 and 2.4 of page 9. These changes will enlarge the Chapter Executive Council by adding 3 additional Chapter at Large positions and will change the terms of office of the Secretary and Treasurer to two year terms of office. This resolution would also stagger the terms of these offices.

 

2.2     The Vice President shall be elected annually for a one-year term.

 

2.3     The APCO International Executive Council Delegate, Treasurer and two (2) of the four (4) Chapter Members-At-Large shall be elected biannually for a   two-year term. Terms for these offices will expire in even number years.

 

2.4     The Secretary and two (2) of the four (4) Chapter Members-At-Large shall be elected biannually for a two-year term. Terms for these offices will expire in odd number years.

 

Resolution # 3

 

Intent: To clarify the wording in Section 3, paragraph 1, page 9 addressing how offices are nominated and filled.

 

All elective positions in this Chapter shall be elected from nominations submitted by the nominating committee in accordance with By-Laws Article V, Section 2.3, and from nominations from the floor. Such balloting shall be done at the last scheduled business session of the fall meeting in each calendar year.

 

Resolution # 4

 

Intent: To update and better explain how positions are filled by adding new sections 3.1 and 3.2 under Section 3, page 9 of the Constitution and By-Laws.

 

3.1      When the nomination process produces two or more candidates for an elective position, then that position shall be elected by ballot.

 

3.2      When the nomination process produces only one candidate for an elective position, then the Nominations Committee Chair shall take a voice vote at the close of the nomination process to elect that individual to the position to which they were nominated.

 

Resolution # 5

 

Intent: To update and better explain Section 4, page 9 concerning when newly elected officers will officially take office within the Chapter.

 

Section 4 - DATE FOR TAKING OFFICE

 

Candidates elected at the fall meeting shall automatically take office at the end of the business meeting held during the Fall of each calendar year, in which the term of office expires.

 

Resolution # 6

 

Intent: To upgrade and better explain Section 2, Paragraph 1, under Standing Committees on page 11 to include the new chapter officer positions.

 

2.1 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

 

The Chapter President shall be the Chair of this Council, and its members shall consist of the Board of Officers, the Immediate Past President, the four (4)  Chapter Members-At-Large and the APCO International Executive Council Delegate.  A President who resigns during his/her term of office shall not be eligible to serve as the immediate Past President on the Executive Council; membership on the Council shall revert to the last Past President having not resigned.

 

Resolution # 7

 

Intent: To update Section 2.3, Paragraph 4 on Page 12 under Nominating Committee to be consistent with the changes of adding the three (3) additional Chapter at Large positions to the Chapter Executive Council.

 

The committee chair shall report to the President, on a timely basis, and the Secretary shall forward to the chapter membership a listing of the candidates for office at least 30 days prior to the fall meeting. A short biography or resume for each candidate shall be made available to the membership. This committee shall bring the ballot to the fall meeting quorum, in the form of candidates for the offices of Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, and when applicable, two (2) of the four (4) Chapter Members-At-Large or the APCO International Executive Council Delegate.

 

Resolution # 8

 

Intent: To update Section 6, page 15 to require an annual audit of the financial records and to present the complete results of the audit to the Chapter Membership

 

Section 6 – AUDITING OF CHAPTER FINANCIAL RECORDS

 

An annual audit of the Chapter’s financial records shall be performed by an independent professional accountant or accounting firm. The Executive Council shall retain the services of a qualified accountant or accounting firm, and the Chapter shall bear the costs associated with this provision. The results of the annual audit shall be presented to the Chapter membership.

 

 

A full copy of the Constitution and Bylaws is available on the Constitution and Bylaws webpage.

 

Hobgood Named 2007 APCO Information Technologist of the Year

The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International announced the 2007 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Award winners earlier this year. The awards were presented at the Opening General Session of the APCO International 73rd Annual Conference and Exposition in Baltimore, Md. on August 5.

The PSAP Awards are the five annual awards presented by APCO International to public safety communications personnel who have demonstrated the highest levels of personal and professional conduct and performance in the line of duty. The five awards are Telecommunicator of the Year, Information Technologist of the Year, Radio Frequency Technologist of the Year, Line Supervisor of the Year, and Communications Center Director of the Year and the 2007 winners are as follows:

  • Telecommunicator of the Year - Colleen Townsend, dispatcher, Genesee County (MI) Central Dispatch
  • Information Technologist of the Year - Linwood W. "Bill" Hobgood, Jr., systems development leader, Public Safety Team, City of Richmond, VA Department of Information Technology
  • Radio Frequency Technologist of the Year - Bruce Dennis, wireless system engineer, City and County of Denver (CO), Technology Services/Electronic Engineering Bureau
  • Line Supervisor of the Year - Christina Giacomelli, dispatch supervisor, Alameda County (CA) Regional Emergency Communications Center
  • Communications Center Director of the Year - Charles M. "Chuck" Berdan, dispatch manager, Alameda County (CA) Regional Emergency Communications Center

"APCO International congratulates the 2007 PSAP Award winners," APCO International President Wanda McCarley said. "The work they have done in their respective agencies are great examples of activities deserving of this great honor and their entire departments should be proud their awards."

The Virginia Chapter joins in congratulating Bill Hobgood of Richmond on his selection as the 2007 Information Technologist of the Year.

Virginia Commonwealth University Named 2007 APCO CALLS Award Winner

The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International announced the Virginia Commonwealth University as the 2007 Corporate Award for Leadership in 9-1-1 Location Solutions (CALLS). The award was presented at the Opening General Session of the APCO International 73rd Annual Conference and Exposition on August 6 in Baltimore, Md.

The CALLS Award is made each year to a corporation whose service to their employer and the community they serve over the current year has been deserving of recognition. Virginia Commonwealth University was nominated by RedSky Technologies, Inc. for being a leader in the community and for taking a proactive action to provide a safe environment for a public facility that impacts tens of thousands of people in the community. In addition, RedSky Technologies, Inc. recognized Virginia Commonwealth University for their leadership in understanding the E9-1-1 issue and installing a comprehensive solution before they were required to do so.

"The APCO International Board of Officers would like to express their most sincere congratulations to the Virginia Commonwealth University for winning the 2007 APCO CALLS Award," APCO International President Wanda McCarley said. "It is apparent they have the public's safety in mind and they have demonstrated their desire to protect the residents and visitors of their campus."

Junkins Recognized for Outstanding Contributions to SIEC

 

 


Jim Junkins, Director of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Emergency Communications Center, was recognized by Commonwealth Interoperability Coordinator Chris Essid for his outstanding contributions to the State Interoperability Executive Council (SIEC) and his leadership in developing and implementing the statewide Common Language Protocol during the Chapter’s Awards Program in Virginia Beach on April 27.  Junkins also serves as At-Large Delegate to the Virginia APCO Chapter’s Executive Council.

 

 

 

Virginia Chapter of NENA Launches Website

The Virginia Chapter of NENA launched its new website on March 20, and according to Vice President Rodney Gentry, its chocked full of wholesome NENA goodness!  On the website, you will find BIO's of the current VENA Board, links to other websites from the 911 industry, training and educational opportunities, and the latest news!

Any suggestions, please let Rodney know at rlgentry@co.hanover.va.us.

Now - here is the site - please bookmark it and save it among your "favorites"!

www.virginia-nena.org

 

E911 Institute Awards Gala Recognizes Outstanding Virginia Agency

 

On March 13, 2007, the E9-1-1 Institute and the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) will hosted the 4th Annual “Honors Awards" Gala.  The Gala paid tribute to some of the heroes and leaders this past year, including the Fairfax County Public Safety Communications Division, which was recognized at the annual Awards Gala with the “Call Taker/Dispatcher of the Year Award”.

 

 

APCO International Applauds Virginia PBX/MLTS Legislation Passage

February 23, 2007, Washington, DC - The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International today applauded the Virginia General Assembly's passage of legislation to require providers of Private Branch Exchange (PBX) and Multi-Line Telephone Systems (MLTS) to provide enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) location information to 9-1-1 call centers.  The legislation, the first change in Virginia State Code driven by the Virginia Chapter of APCO, passed in the Senate on February 15 and in the House on February 19 and is currently awaiting the signature of the Governor.

"This legislation will go a long way in further protecting our citizens, especially those in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, on college campuses, visiting in vacation resorts, and all other facilities where multi-line telephone systems are utilized," said Bill Agee, president of the Virginia Chapter of APCO. 

PBX/MLTS are characterized by multiple extensions operating from a single switchboard.  Most schools, businesses, and hotels operate on PBX/MLTS.  Currently, when a call is made from one of the extensions to 9-1-1 the location information provided is that of the switchboard and not the extension, which can be found on a different floor of a building and even sometimes in a different building.

This legislation came just weeks after APCO International re-released its PBX/MLTS Whitepaper expressing a need for authoritative action on the part of public safety leaders in respect to this issue.   PBX/MLTS is an issue which has been overshadowed by other technologies, but the problems associated with this technology have not been fully addressed. 

The paper outlines the current problems with MLTS and PBX, which include a lack of consumer awareness that these systems can delay emergency response and the perception that there is no incentive to correct the problem.  In addition, the paper urges national and state policy makers to move towards regulation regarding 9-1-1 location information from MLTS and PBX.

Please visit http://www.apcointl.com/government/positions/issuepapers/Multi-LineTelephoneSystems.pdf to read the whitepaper.

Visit House Bill 1603 for information on the Virginia legislation.

 

A special thanks to our Virginia Chapter of APCO PBX Committee Co-Chairs, Sam Keys and Tom Hanson, and to our Legislative Representative Terry Hall for three years of their hard work and tenacious dedication in the passing of the Virginia PBX/MLTS Legislation.  These members have represented the Chapter by attending endless meetings and spending countless hours with Delegate Rapp for a successful conclusion.

 

The efforts of these gentlemen and members of the Virginia Chapter of APCO have once again put us in the lead, not only in Virginia, but across the United States.

 

Virginia Chapter Endorses Common Language Protocols

 

February 23, 2007

 

 

Dear Virginia APCO Members:

 

The Virginia Chapter of the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (VA APCO) recognizes the need for clear, concise and consistent communications between all Virginia responders.  Coded communications has historically caused communications breakdowns among responders and especially between localities.  VA APCO applauds the effort of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the State Interoperability Executive Committee's initiative and best practices for Common Language Protocols.

 

For this reason, the Executive Board of VA APCO has unanimously voted to endorse the Virginia Common Language protocols and encourages the use of the protocols for all communications.  The Executive Board of VA APCO encourages you to affect usage of the Virginia Common Language Protocols in your employment, locality or business so as to promulgate the protocol's usage throughout the Commonwealth.

 

Sincerely,

 

Bill Agee, President

Virginia Chapter of APCO

 

View or Download Endorsement Letter

To Download, Right Click and “Save File/Target As”

Membership Committee

 

Bernard J. “Buster” Brown, Chair of the Chapter’s Membership Committee, invites interested members to be part of the Virginia Chapter Membership Committee. Contact Buster via email bbrown@gcvasheriff.us or 434-985-2222 Ext 501.  Thanks for your help.  

 

Greene County 9-1-1 Implements APCO EMD

 

Greene County Sheriff’s Office (911 Communication Center) went online with the APCO EMD program effective January 1, 2007.  During the month of December, staff took the CPR and the EMD Dispatcher course to prepare for implementation of APCO EMD. Greene County has a staff of 14,  “For a fairly small center in central Virginia, I think it is a great service we can now offer to the citizens of our community,” said Bernard J. “Buster” Brown, 911 Operations Manager

 

Congratulations to the staff of Greene County 9-1-1 on your successful implementation.

Fall Conference Held in Lynchburg

The 2006 APCO/NENA Fall Conference, held November 15-17 at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel in Lynchburg, drew an attendance of 200, offering educational sessions and workshops as well as PSAP tours and peer-to-peer networking.  Angela R. Bowen, Communications Training Coordinator for the Georgia Public Safety Training Center presented a full day of training for dispatchers as well as a session for 9-1-1 managers and supervisors.  The Chapter meeting was held on the closing day of conference.

 

Officers Elected and Installed for 2006-2007

Officers for 2006-2007 are Bill Agee, President; Linda Goodridge, President-Elect; Carol Adams, Vice President; Ken Crumpler, Secretary; and Melinda Bramley, Treasurer.  Immediate Past President Terry Hall was elected to represent the Chapter on the APCO International Executive Council for 2006-2008, and Jim Junkins will serve the second year of his term as the at-large delegate to the Chapter Executive Council for 2005-2007. 

 

President                                Bill Agee (County of Franklin)

President-Elect                        Linda Goodridge (Stafford County 9-1-1)

Vice President                         Carol Adams (Stafford County 9-1-1)

Secretary                                Kenneth Crumpler (Virginia Office of EMS)

Treasurer                                Melinda Bramley (Virginia Beach 911 Emergency Communications)

Int’l Executive Council             Terry Hall (York County Fire & Life Safety)

At-large Delegate                    Jim Junkins (Harrisonburg-Rockingham ECC)

Immediate Past President        Terry Hall (York County Fire & Life Safety)

 

 

Bramley and Hanson Named Chapter Life Members

 

Melinda Bramley (Virginia Beach) and Tom Hanson (UVA-Charlottesville-Albemarle) were awarded Chapter Life Membership at the Fall 2006 meeting of the Virginia Chapter. 

 

Bramley began her career with the Virginia Beach 911 Emergency Communications Division in 1969.  She began her career as an offense clerk and has served as dispatcher, operations supervisor, administrative supervisor and communications specialist.  Melinda is currently the Training and Retention Specialist for the division and is responsible for the planning, administration, and oversight of the Virginia Beach 911 Emergency Communications Division’s training function.  Her responsibilities also include creating activities and programs to enhance the selection, hiring and retention of Emergency Communications Division Employees.  Melinda possesses an extensive knowledge of the entire operation of the Virginia Beach Communications Division.  Melinda holds an Associates Degree in Police Science and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Resource Administration.  She is also an Emergency Medical Dispatch Instructor and a Department of Criminal Justices General Instructor.  Melinda represents her department/division in a positive manner in both APCO and Region 42.  Melinda has been a member of APCO (Association of Public Safety Communications Officials Inc.) since 1982, and has served on the Executive Board since 1984.  Melinda has served as Virginia APCO President, Virginia APCO Secretary and is currently the Virginia State APCO Treasurer.   She was recently awarded a Life Membership in the Virginia Chapter of APCO. Melinda has been a member and served as Secretary of the Region 42 Committee since its creation in 1988.  Melinda is also an active member of NENA.

 

Hanson is Executive Director of the Charlottesville/UVA/Albemarle Emergency Communications Center.  He joined APCO in 1992.  He served as the Chapter’s Delegate to APCO International Executive Council from 2002 until 2006, and has been active on various Chapter and International committees.

 

The Chapter extends its congratulations to both Melinda and Tom and thanks them for their dedication and support of APCO.

 

 

Hall Named Communications Center Director of the Year

 

June 28, 2006, Washington, DC - The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International today announced the 2006 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Award winners. The awards will be presented at the Opening General Session of the APCO International 72nd Annual Conference and Exposition in Orlando, Fla. on August 7.

 

The PSAP Awards are the four annual awards presented by APCO International to public safety communications personnel who have demonstrated the highest levels of personal and professional conduct and performance in the line of duty. The four awards are Telecommunicator of the Year, Technician of the Year, Line Supervisor of the Year, and Communications Center Director of the Year and the 2006 winners are as follows:

·         Telecommunicator of the Year - Jim Acosta, regional fire communications operator, Downey Fire Department, Downey, Calif.

·         Technician of the Year - Gerald Adam Cooper, CAD/GIS system manager, Covington-Newton County 9-1-1 Communications, Covington, Ga.

·         Line Supervisor of the Year - Susan Hall, shift manager, Stanislaus Regional 9-1-1, Modesto, Calif.

·         Communications Center Director of the Year - D. Terry Hall, emergency communications manager, York County Department of Fire and Life Safety, Yorktown, Va.

"APCO International congratulates the 2006 PSAP Award winners," APCO International President Wanda McCarley said. "the work they have done in their respective agencies are great examples of activities deserving of this great honor and their entire departments should be proud their awards."

 

The APCO International 72nd Annual Conference and Exposition will be held August 6-10 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

 

 

Congratulations to

Noel Armstrong

of the Virginia State Police

Commonwealth of Virginia APCO Frequency Coordinator

APCO International’s AFC Coordinator of the Year 2006

 

 

Wade Named Chapter Life Member

 

Ron Wade was honored with Chapter Life Membership at the Fall 2005 meeting of the Virginia Chapter.  Wade retired as Superintendent of Roanoke City’s 9-1-1 Center in 2005.  He has been a member of APCO since 1988.  He was elected Vice President in Fall 2000, and served on the Chapter Executive Council from then until Fall 2005.  He served as Chapter President during the 2002-2003 term.  He has served as a conference chair and co-chair for the Fall Conference for a number of years, as well as serving on various other committees and as a member of the State EMS Communications Committee.

 

 

Chapter Contributes to Sunshine Fund

 

The Virginia Chapter of APCO is contributing $1,200 to the APCO Sunshine Fund as a means of providing financial assistance to APCO International members in the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina.  Information on APCO's Sunshine Fund relief effort is contained in a letter from APCO President Greg Ballentine below. 

 

Chapter President Scott Chandler said, “The Virginia Chapter recognizes the impact of this disaster upon our fellow telecommunicators and public safety communications staff and is proud to contribute to this worthy effort.  Additionally, we extend our appreciation to all those who continue to support public safety communications efforts in the affected areas.  Our thoughts and prayers are extended to our family of public safety communications professionals in their time of need.”

 

Additionally, the Louisiana Chapters of APCO and NENA have made a separate appeal for relief efforts to support needs in Louisiana.  A copy of the letter from Don Smith, Louisiana NENA Chapter President is below.

 

Agencies and individuals may wish to consider donating to these or other charitable relief efforts.

 

Should you have any questions, please contact any member of the Virginia Chapter's Executive Council.

  

 

Chapter History

Chapter Historian Butch Johnstone has been researching the Chapter’s history.  He has provided an Adobe file with an early Bulletin article, page 21, and the oldest copy of Constitution and By-Laws that International can find (the first 20 pages).  Actually, this represents the entire contents of International's file on VA Chapter.  The Bulletin article includes the names of those instrumental in chapter formation (APCO President Paul Franklin, Virginians: Marshall, Lee, Anderson, Crosen and 23 others), past membership in the National Chapter, and "charter application to be filed at least 60 days before the 1960 Conference".
 

 

Chapter’s Constitution & Bylaws Amended and Adopted

 

The Chapter’s Constitution & Bylaws were amended and adopted at the Fall meeting in Roanoke on October 8, 2004.  The new bylaws appear on this website, along with a summary of the changes approved.  Thanks to the Bylaws Committee for their excellent work and submission!