Kansas APCO News

January KCJIS Meeting Minutes posted

2012-02-09T15:32:00.002-06:00

The January meeting minutes for the KCJIS Committee have been posted on the KSAPCO Website. You can view them at http://www.ksapco.net/kcjis.html.

Senate Bill introduced to "clean up" the 911 Act

2012-02-09T11:45:00.000-06:00

Michelle Abbott, KSAPCO Legislative Chair, Please note below information from Chairman Walt Way.

Several clarifications are needed to the 911 Act and that a bill would be introduced in the Senate in the near future to address those needs. Senate Bill No. 384 was introduced in the Senate on February 6th and referred to the Committee on Utilities on February 7th . This bill is scheduled for a hearing before that Committee on February 14th.

The clean-up items are summarized as follows:

1. To clarify the definition of “Subscriber Account” to address the issue of how many 10 digit access numbers behind a multi-line telephone system switch or equivalent service will be assessed the 911 Fee. There were some varying interpretations as to whether the 911 Fee should assessed on all 10 digit phone numbers served by such a switch or on the outbou nd talkpaths serving that switch. The recommended language in the bill supports assessment of the 911 Fee on the outbound talkpaths serving the switch as that is the actual limit of how many concurrent 911 calls could be made by the 10 digit phone numbers served by the switch.

2. Since we introduced the term “Multi-line telephone system” in the above definition, we are adding that as a definition in the statute.

3. A request was made by the Governor’s Appointments Secretary to have staggered terms for the 911 Coordinating Council members in order to reduce the impact of having to process 26 appointments at the same time every three years. The proposed language in the bill modifies existing terms of members to address this request.

4. The last modification addresses the method of distributing prepaid wireless 911 fees that exceed $2,000,000 in a year. We learned from discussions with KDOR that they do not collect jurisdiction spe cific information with the various sales taxes collected by retailers and would be unable to identify where these fees are collected so the LCPA could remit to the appropriate PSAPs. The proposed language would direct the distribution of the fees in excess of the $2 million threshold to “counties in an amount proportional to each county’s population as a percentage of the population of the state”.

I plan on submitting testimony in behalf of the 911 Coordinating Council to support this bill. If you have any concerns or questions about this bill, please contact me. If you are supportive of this bill, please let me know.

Thanks.
Walt Way

Needed updates made to webpage

2012-02-02T10:33:00.000-06:00

After the much needed addition of new information and features to the Kansas APCO website, it became somewhat difficult to navigate and find what was needed. Therefore, the website has been completely overhauled.

Because of the changes, some of the links in the News/Blog section may not work. Not to worry, the information is still there...just in a different location or format.

For information on the 911 Coordinating Council, PSAP Reporting Requirements, and other SB50 changes, visit the new "911 Coordinating Council" tab on the home page or at http://www.ksapco.net/911_Council.html.

Regional Homeland Security Council minutes can be found under the "Homeland Security" tab on the home page or at http://www.ksapco.net/homeland_security.html.

KCJIS Committee minutes can be found under the "KCJIS" tab on the homepage or at http://www.ksapco.net/kcjis.html.

There is a new tab on the menu bar for Member and Chapter Services Newsletters, or they can be found at http://www.ksapco.net/newsletter.html.

And, were gearing up for the Spring Conference in Hutchinson. The conference pages are unchanged, so register now at http://www.ksapco.net/spring.html.

A Site Map has been added at http://www.ksapco.net/sitemap.html.

And if there is anything that has been missed or you find broken links, never hesitate to contact the webmaster at bjtracy@co.sumner.ks.us.

911 Coordinating Council info posted

2012-02-01T08:58:00.000-06:00

Information on the 911 Coordinating Council has been posted to the website at http://www.ksapco.net/committees.html. Minutes from their last meeting, as well as their 2012 Workplan and 2012 Budget is available.

2011 PSAP Reporting

2012-01-31T10:15:00.000-06:00

Expenditure reports for the 2011 year are due by February 29. The report, in Excel spreadsheet format, along with instructions and a link to the KAC webpage have been posted at www.ksapco.net on the Legislative Page.

"He Heard Hannah"

2012-01-26T08:35:00.000-06:00

Harvey County 911 Director Courtney Becker has co-authored a book about a 911 call he took in 2004 and how it impacted his life. Learn more about "He Heard Hannah" at http://heheardhannah.com/

Updates on Spring Conference posted

2012-01-23T09:28:00.000-06:00

More information on the Spring Conference has been announced, including a sampling of tentative classes as well as information on a "Resource Rodeo" which will be available at the conference. You won't want to miss this. START and TERT Training will also be offered. For information, visit the KSAPCO website at http://www.ksapco.net/spring.html.

KCJIS Committee notes now posted

2012-01-10T08:32:00.000-06:00

Notes from the November KCJIS Committee Meeting are now available at http://www.ksapco.net/committees.html.

Telecommunicator of the Year packet now available

2012-01-05T11:13:00.000-06:00

The nomination packet for Kansas APCO's 2011 Telecommunicator of the Year has now been posted at
http://www.ksapco.net/spring2012TCOY.html.

Each year, Kansas honors it's top professional at the Spring Conference. If you know of someone who meets the criteria for Kansas TCOY, nominate them today! Deadline for applications is March 1.

Spring Conference page is launched

2011-12-27T11:42:00.000-06:00

Kansas APCO has launched it's 2012 Spring Conference page at http://www.ksapco.net/spring.html. More information will be added regularly as planning for the conference develops. The conference will be held on April 1-3 at the Ramada Hutchinson, and will feature renown motivational speaker Dr. Kimberly Alyn. A welcome letter to Vendors and Sponsors can also be found on the page.

The Spring Conference is when Kansas APCO recognizes the state's top professional from 2011. Nomination forms for "Telecommunicator of the Year" are being drafted, however now is a good time to start thinking about that special dispatcher who goes "above and beyond".

Check the conference page, as well as ksapco.net for updates.

Lee announces candidacy for APCO International 2nd VP

2011-12-27T10:24:00.000-06:00

APCO Chapter President and Executive Council Representative,

Please allow me this opportunity to let you know that I have decided to run for the office of 2nd Vice President of APCO Int’l for the 2012-2013 year. As we all discovered at this year’s conference, there is a need for well qualified individuals to step forward and put themselves in a position to represent our association. I did so by presenting my name for the vacant position this year which President Riddle appointed Gigi Smith to fill. I have been a member of APCO Int’l for 17 years and am a life member. I also have been the Executive Council representative for the Nevada Chapter for the last five years and have held a number of offices within the Nevada Chapter. I am privileged to be the Co-Chair of the APCO/NENA National Joint TERT Initiative (NJTI) which is the only officially recognized project between the two associations. As such I have had the opportunity to represent our association at many venues promoting the initiative. Additionally, I was the Chairman for APCO Project 42.

Although retired from the Sparks Nevada Police Department I have remained active within the association. I started a thirty year career as a dispatcher and later on, supervised the communications center for my department. Additionally I was responsible for all of the communications aspects of the department which included m anaging the radio, 9-1-1, and mobile computer systems. The last ten years of my career I sat on and was chairman of the Washoe County 9-1-1 board which was responsible for dissemination of surcharge funds to the local PSAP’s in Washoe County, Nevada. I have continued to remain passionate about the association and how it represents all aspects of the communications field.

APCO Int’l has seen many changes recently. Thanks to the “D Block” initiative we now have a voice and representation in congress. As such, I believe we need to take advantage of that voice and upon completion of the “D Block” take the opportunity to further other causes through congressional means. There are a number of those needs such as a national training standard, recognition of telecommunicators as 9-1-1 professionals (rather than clerical workers) and first responders as was so well identified in P roChart. Our AFC section continues to re-establish itself as a leader in frequency coordination and hopefully will have even more activity in the future.

I am seeking your Chapter’s support in this endeavor. Within the next few months I plan on personally contacting as many of you as possible.

Respectfully,

W. Brent Lee
Nevada Chapter

Northeast Region Homeland Security Minutes released

2011-12-27T10:22:00.000-06:00

Minutes of the November meeting of the Northeast Regional Homeland Security Council have been posted on the website at http://www.ksapco.net/files/Council_Minutes_Nov_23_11.pdf.

MCS Newsletter

2011-12-20T08:47:00.002-06:00

The December "Member and Chapter Services" newsletter is now available at http://www.ksapco.net/.

APCO President calls for support on D Block changes

2011-12-13T11:27:00.000-06:00

APCO President Greg Riddle has issued a "Call to Action", requesting support on changes to Federal D-Block Legislation. Information can be found on the KSAPCO Legislative page at http://www.ksapco.net/legislation.html

Member and Chapter Services Newsletter

2011-11-29T09:19:00.002-06:00

The November MCS Newsletter is available online at http://www.ksapco.net/files/E-Newsletter_November_2011_Rev_2_.pdf.

Logo Contest: Deadline December 31st

2011-11-28T10:17:00.000-06:00

With the introduction of the new APCO Intl logo, the Kansas Chapter is looking at a new logo for themselves, and they are seeking your help. A logo contest to develop a new logo is being conducted. Information on the contest can be found at http://www.ksapco.net/logo_contest.html.

Homeland Security Meeting Minutes added to webpage

2011-11-23T15:39:00.000-06:00

Minutes of the November South Central Kansas Regional Homeland Security Council meeting have been added to the website at http://www.ksapco.net/files/SCRHSC_Nov_2011_Meeting_Minutes.pdf.

Bill proposed to entend Narrowbanding deadline

2011-11-18T08:49:00.000-06:00

From Stan Blanchard, Shawnee County: Breaking News -- Bill proposed to extend Narrowbanding by 2 years.

112TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION - H.R. 3430
To direct the Federal Communications Commission to extend the final deadline for private land mobile radio licensees to migrate to narrowband technology by 2 years

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - NOVEMBER 15, 2011
Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey introduced the following bill which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce:

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112hr3430ih/pdf/BILLS-112hr3430ih.pdf

October KCJIS Committee Minutes available

2011-11-14T15:00:00.000-06:00

Minutes of the October Meeting of the KCJIS Committee have been posted on the KSAPCO website at http://www.ksapco.net/. Thanks to Brad Gilges for the update.

911 Coordinating Council provides update

2011-11-14T14:59:00.000-06:00

From the Kansas 911 Coordinating Council, November 14, 2011: :

As you know, Senate Bill 50 that was passed during the 2011 Legislative Session, made significant changes to the 911 laws of the state. We wanted to update you on several key aspects of the new law.

• Local Ordinances and Resolutions. First and foremost, it is important that you understand that local ordinances and resolutions with regard to 911 fees will become invalid as of January 1, 2012. It is recommended that you repeal your existing ordinances and resolutions as of that date, and adopt a new ordinance or resolution to administer the new 911 fees that you will begin receiving in 2012. An example of a county resolution can be found on the http://www.kansas911.org/ website.

• Statewide Coordinating Council. As required by the new law, the Governor has appointed the 911 Coordinating Council which has been tasked with several timeline sensitive functions. A complete list of Council members can be found at http://www.kansas911.org/

• Website Expansion. To keep all PSAP directors, managers and or supervisors up-to-date with these challenges, the Council has expanded the existing http://www.kansas911.org/ website. Until now, the only information at this website has been your monthly 911 wireless fees. However, the Council has created a much broader site to keep the flow of information as timely and fluid as possible. This website will be updated frequently as information becomes available and all meeting minutes will be posted for your review. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with this site and let us know if there are ways that it can be improved to provide you with better information and services.

• Annual Reporting Requirement. The new 911 law requires an annual report to be filed by all PSAPs regarding their previous year’s 911 revenues and expenses. This report will be due to the Council before March 1, 2012. In early 2012, you will be sent directions for filling out the form and submitting it electronically. The Operations Sub-Committee, headed by Michele Abbott from Hutchinson (michele.abbott@renolec.com), is refining the form and will put a sample online in the next few weeks so that you will know in advance the type of data that you will need to provide.

2011 and 2012 will be busy and progressive years for the State of Kansas and 911. The 911 Coordinating Council looks forward to the upcoming challenges and changes that we as a state will face together. We stand firmly supportive towards the goal of providing a high quality of service for the State of Kansas and its citizens.

APCO seeks support for D Block

2011-11-14T14:57:00.000-06:00

From Roger W. Wespe, Government Relations Manager, APCO International:
We have been asked by our champions in the Senate to encourage state and local public safety entities to draft a letter to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction supporting the allocation of the D Block to public safety.
The letter should urge the Joint Select Committee to include S. 911, the Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act of 2011 in their deliberations. We’ve been asked to collect the letters and have them available for presentation at a press conference to be held on Tuesday, November 15 at 11 on the Capitol grounds (see attached map for the location). In particular, we need letters from public safety agencies, local governments, affiliates and state chapters located in Ohio, Texas, Massachusetts, Washington, Montana, Arizona, Maryland, South Carolina and California.
You are all welcome to attend the press conference on Tuesday; we also urge you to reach out to your contacts in local law enforcement, fire and EMS and ask them to be a part of the event as well. Our Senate supporters have asked to have at least 100 people in uniform at the press conference to show national support.
For your reference, attached are letters from APCO, USCM, NLC, and NGA that have already been sent to the Joint Committee.
If your organization or company has already drafted a letter and has sent it to the Committee, please send a copy of it to Yucel Ors orsy@apcomail.org as soon as possible. If your organization or company has not yet drafted a statement of support, please consider using the attached template letter.

Thank you for your support.

Webmasters Note: Linked files can be found on the KSAPCO website at http://www.ksapco.net/legislation.html.

Conference Photos added

2011-11-09T14:41:00.002-06:00

Photos of the 2011 Fall Conference have been added to KSAPCO's Flickr Photostream at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ksapco/sets/72157627967152495/. Thanks to photographer Brad Gilges for taking the pics.

2011 Board photo

2011-10-28T09:19:00.002-05:00

A new photo of the 2011 Kansas APCO Board of Officers has been posted at the KSAPCO website at http://www.ksapco.net/board.html. Great group!

KCJIS Committee Minutes for September now available

2011-10-28T09:18:00.000-05:00

Minutes of the September 2011 KCJIS Committee meeting are now available at http://www.ksapco.net/files/KCJIS_Minutes_20110912.pdf on the KSAPCO website. Thanks to committee member Brad Gilges for sharing.

PSConnect videos show you "How To..."

2011-10-24T08:40:00.002-05:00

APCO International has developed videos that show you "how to" connect and use PSConnect as a valuable networking tool. You can connect to PSConnect, as well as viewing the videos at http://www.ksapco.net/networking.html.

KCJIS Minutes available

2011-10-24T08:38:00.002-05:00

Brad Gilges, who serves as the KSAPCO representative on the KCJIS Committee has made available minutes from the July 2011 meeting. They can be reviewed at http://www.ksapco.net/appointments.html.

COM-T to be held in Colby

2011-10-19T15:00:00.002-05:00

The COM-T course is being held in Colby in December. Deadlines for applications is November 15th. See the "Announcements" section at www.ksapco.net to download a flyer for the event.

Executive Council Meeting Minutes

2011-10-17T09:12:00.000-05:00

Minutes for the Executive Council Meeting have been posted on the website at http://www.ksapco.net/executive_council.html.

Fall Schedule posted

2011-10-13T15:14:00.000-05:00

The schedule for the Fall Conference has been posted at http://www.ksapco.net/fall_schedule.html. Get a preview now!

Changes in 9-1-1 revenues detailed; sample Resolution provided

2011-10-13T10:17:00.000-05:00

Details of how Senate Bill 50, signed into law last May, affect your revenues and operations has been detailed in a document, "Informational Notice to Service Providers on 911 Act", and a sample Resolution which has been passed in Johnson County are now available for your review at the Kansas APCO website.

Check the "Announcements" section at www.ksapco.net for links to both documents. They are also available on the Legislation page of the website.

Don't miss the Sunday Social

2011-10-12T08:16:00.000-05:00

Don't miss the Sunday Social at the Fall Conference. Hosted by Voice Products, it is a great ice breaker to enjoy food, fun, and socialize. Visit http://www.ksapco.net/ for more information.

Get your Hotel Reservations now!

2011-09-29T08:16:00.000-05:00

If you haven't reserved your hotel room for the Fall Conference yet, now would be a good time. The KSAPCO block will be held until Oct 2, then the remaining rooms will be opened for the general public. After that, room availability will be on a first come, first served basis. You can also reserve your room online at www.ksapco.net. Visit the "Fall Conference" link, then surf to "Lodging" for information on hotel reservations.

September newsletter now posted

2011-09-22T09:22:00.001-05:00

The September Member and Chapter Services newsletter has been posted on the KSAPCO website. Check the "Announcements" section at http://www.ksapco.net/.

Candidates for Board of Officers posted to website

2011-09-21T10:06:00.000-05:00

New candidates have been added to the KSAPCO website at http://www.ksapco.net/fall_elections.html. Elections for office are held at the Fall Conference.

William Duggan from the Andover Police Department, and Shelly Haskin from Hutchinson/Reno Emergency Communications have become candidates for the office of 2nd Vice Presidency. The join Don Gruver from Harvey County who announced his candidacy last month.

Brad Gilges, from the Franklin County Sheriff's Office is seeking re-election to the Chapter Executive Person position.

Check back for more information as bios and photos are updated.

S.T.A.R.T. classes will be offcered at the Fall Conference

2011-09-20T11:36:00.000-05:00

The KSOEC will be offering START training in conjunction with the 2011 Fall APCO Conference in Wichita. START Basic Awareness training is being offered on Sunday, October 16th from 8am-4pm and START Team Leader training is being offered on Monday, October 17th from 8am-4pm. It is mandatory to attend the START Basic Awareness training if you are going to attend the Team Leader training.

The KSOEC is providing hotel rooms and conference registrations for attendees of the START training. Hotel rooms are being offered Saturday, Sunday, and Monday night and START training attendees are encouraged to stay through Tuesday and attend APCO classes.

Registration for the START training is limited to 30 participants and the registration deadline is October 1st. Those wanting to participate will need the approval of their department head and will need to contact Scott Ekberg with the KSOEC to register. Scott can be reached via email at scott.ekberg@us.army.mil or via phone at 785-861-3098 or 785-438-8440.

More information will be posted soon at the KS APCO website, ksapco.net.

Registration now open for Fall Conference

2011-09-08T10:23:00.000-05:00

Registration is now open for the Fall Conference in Wichita. You can register by mail or online, and if you register before October 1, you receive a $15.00 discount. Go to http://www.ksapco.net/fall_registration.html for more information on registration, scheduling, lodging, and elections.

Gruver announces candidacy

2011-09-08T09:45:00.001-05:00

Election of officers will be held at the Fall Conference in Wichita, and Don Gruver from Harvey County Emergency Communications has announced his candidacy for 2nd Vice President. For more information on officer elections and candidates, visit the KSAPCO web site at http://www.ksapco.net/fall_elections.html.

New logo

2011-09-02T10:46:00.000-05:00

APCO International has a new logo.

August newsletter

2011-09-02T10:44:00.002-05:00

Check out the announcements section of www.ksapco.net to link to the August APCO newsletter.

Tentative conference schedule added to website

2011-09-02T10:43:00.000-05:00

The tentative schedule for the KSAPCO Fall Conference has been added to the website. Visit www.ksapco.net to see what is in store for October!

Training for establishing COOPs

2011-08-12T10:02:00.000-05:00

The Kansas Office of Emergency Communications will be presenting several classes on how to develop COOPs (Continuity of Operation Plans). For class information, see the "Announcements" section of the main page at www.ksapco.net.

Fundraiser for Shawnee County dispatcher

2011-08-10T14:19:00.000-05:00

Funds are being solicited for Shawnee County dispatcher Melanie Hasselman, whose 24 year old husband needs a heart-liver transplant. He will undergo testing this month at the Mayo Clinic to determine if he is a candidate. For more information, view the "Announcements" section of the main page at www.ksapco.net.

KANSAS 911 added to webpage

2011-07-22T09:12:00.000-05:00

KANSAS911.org, a site powered by the League of Kansas Municipalities now provides information regarding 9-1-1 fees, Nexgen 9-1-1, as well as information on the 9-1-1 Coordinating Council. A link has been added to the main page at www.ksapco.net.

KSAPCO seeks vendors, sponsors for Fall Conference

2011-07-14T13:43:00.000-05:00

Kansas APCO is now seeking vendors who are interested in participating and sponsoring the Fall Conference. Information about renting booth space in the Vendor Room at the conference, information on sponsorships, as well as a Vendor Contract are now available on the website at www.ksapco.net. Vendors should click on "Fall Conference" in the left column, then "Vendors" on the menu at the top of the page. Brad Gilges is the contact member for Kansas APCO.

Officer elections to be held at fall conference

2011-07-11T13:54:00.000-05:00

Election of officers for the KSAPCO Board will be held at the fall conference in Wichita. For more information on the elections, visit the Fall Conference page at http://www.ksapco.net/fall_elections.html.

More info on narrowbanding

2011-07-11T08:35:00.000-05:00

APCO's online magazine, "Public Safety Communications" has a link that provides more information on the narrowbanding deadline and how to meet it. Visit the link below.

http://psc.apcointl.org/2011/07/07/narrowband-now/

Governor appoints 911 Council

2011-07-08T10:22:00.000-05:00

From Michele Abbott, Kansas APCO Legislative Chair - The Governor has made his appointments to the 911Coordinating Council. The Council is tasked under the new law with many of the duties necessary to implement the new law and to start developing Next Generation 911. The Council appointments are:

Two members representing information technology personnel from government units: Richard Vogt and Chris Kelly

1 member representing a law enforcement officer: Gary Smith

1 member representing a fire chief: Mike Naploitano

1 member recommended by the Adjutant General: Jessica Frye

1 member recommended by the Kansas Emergency Medical Services Board: Bob Boaldin

1 member recommended by the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Rebecca Rosenthal

2 members representing PSAPs located in counties with less than 75,000 population: Michele Abbott and James Reed

2 members representing PSAPs in counties with greater than 75,000 populations: Walt Way and Kim Pennington

1 member representing PSAPs without regard to size of county: Pat Collins

Other voting members include appointments by the House and Senate. The Speaker of the House appointed Rep. Kyle Hoffman and the Minority Leader appointed Rep. Annie Kuether. The Senate President and Senate Minority Leader have not made their appointments yet.

The 10 non-voting members appointed to the Council by the Governor are:

1 member representing rural telecommunications companies recommended by the Kansas rural independent telephone companies: Jimmy Todd

1 member representing incumbent local exchange carriers with over 50,000 access lines: Phillip Ryan

1 member representing large wireless providers: Larry Meyers

1 member representing VoIP providers: Collen Jennison

1 member recommended by the League of Kansas Municipalities: Kim Winn

1 member recommended by the Kansas Association of Counties: Rob Roberts

1 member recommended by the Kansas Geographic Information Systems Policy Board: Ivan Weichert

1 member recommended by KAN-ED: Dennis George

1 member recommended by the Kansas Division of Information Systems and Communications: Jay Coverdale

1 member, a Kansas resident, recommended by the Mid-America Regional Council: Keith Faddis

The Governor selected as Chair of the Council, Walter Way

Member Services newsletter available

2011-07-01T11:38:00.002-05:00

Look under "Announcements" at www.ksapco.net for the June 2011, APCO Member Services Newsletter.

Douglas County Emergency Dispatchers Juggle Hundreds Of Calls Every Day

2011-06-30T09:21:00.000-05:00

From Stan Blanchard
By Joe Preiner

June 11, 2011

Photo by Richard Gwin

Patty Lichlyter is one of 19 full-time dispatchers at the Douglas County Emergency Communications Center, 111 E. 11th. Dispatchers are responsible for taking and responding to an average of 900 to 1,100 emergency calls each day for emergencies big and small, from fires and vehicle accidents to barking dogs.

If you’ve called 911 anytime in the past 13 years, there’s a good chance you’ve spoken with Marjorie Hedden.

She’s often one of the people on the receiving end.

She’s one of 19 full-time dispatchers working in the Douglas County Emergency Communications Center in downtown Lawrence. The job, which she said is not for the faint of heart, requires a great deal of focus and concentration, not to mention the ability to multitask.

On any given day, dispatchers may have to answer calls using their hands, headsets or feet. Depending on the volume of calls, the chatter among he at least three dispatchers can become distracting.

“It can get loud in here,” Hedden said. “You have to learn to tune it out without tuning everything out.”

Focus is merely one of the many skills in which Douglas County dispatchers must be proficient. They are also required to commit to memory a wealth of knowledge, including 10-codes, computer shorthand and emergency vehicle numbers and functions.

“That’s why the training period is so long,” Hedden said.

To become an emergency dispatcher in Douglas County takes time. Each dispatcher is cross-trained to handle every position on the staff. Scott Ruf, the center’s new director, said the training process can take as long as eight months.

“There’s a big, big learning curve,” he said. “It’s one of those jobs where very rarely do you have someone come in that has experience.”

But the training has to be demanding and comprehensive because the job needs it to be. Dispatchers are responsible for taking and responding to calls for a plethora of emergencies, from fires and vehicle accidents to violent crimes and barking dogs. The center receives an average of 900 to 1,100 service calls each day, or roughly 300 to 350 calls per eight-hour shift. Ruf said patience among dispatchers is a necessary and usually acquired skill.

“What people sometimes don’t understand is that we might be asking these questions, but people are already on the way,” Ruf said of emergency calls. “There’s that customer service and that empathy, but at the same time we’re trying to do a job. There’s a method to the madness.”

The madness includes manning the communications center 24 hours each day, every day of the week. In Douglas County, that happens in three shifts, with one covering the morning and early after noon, one for the evening and one for the overnight hours. Even with 19 dispatchers and three shift supervisors, Ruf said, the staff may not be big enough at times.

“We’re probably understaffed,” Ruf said. “To what degree or by how many I don’t know, but a lot of that comes to how you set your schedules up.”

But county dispatchers aren’t alone in their work. On days and nights when things get hectic, public safety employees with Kansas University lend a helping hand. The symbiotic relationship lets county, city and university law enforcement work more effectively.

Technology helps the center operate smoothly, too. A recent upgrade to the call system has provided dispatchers with a new touch-screen setup that makes handling calls easier and faster. Each dispatcher has a station with as many as five monitors, all set to help complete or keep tra ck of important information. There’s even a computer that lets dispatchers know which hospitals have beds available in the area.

Ruf said he considers the communications center a support service. The center provides dispatch support to 23 area agencies in Douglas County, including agencies in Lawrence, Eudora, Lecompton and Baldwin City. With the help of personnel and sufficient funding, Ruf said his goal for the center was clear.

“I want it to be one of the best, top-notch professional agencies of its type in the state,” he said. “If not the region and the country.”

COML Course offered

2011-06-29T13:29:00.000-05:00

Hutchinson/Reno Co. 911, in conjunction with the Kansas Office of Emergency Communications will be hosting a Communications Leader (COML) Course, July 18-21, at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in Yoder, KS. A course description and pre-application (which must be completed and submitted) are available on the Kansas APCO website at www.ksapco.net.

Fall Conference cranking up

2011-06-20T10:30:00.000-05:00

The Fall Conference is cranking up. Co-sponsored by Sedgwick County Emergency Communications and the Andover Police Department, it will be held on Oct 16-18 at the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview in Wichita. Webpages for the conference have been set up at www.ksapco.net. Check back for updates as plans develop.

Call to Action Alert: Federal D Block Bill

2011-06-06T14:20:00.000-05:00

From Kansas APCO Legislative Chair Michele Abbott -

WHAT APCO NEEDS YOU TO DO AND WHY?

APCO International needs its members and all of public safety in the key states (see list below) to make phone calls to their senators today and tomorrow requesting them to urgently to support S. 911.

On Wednesday these Senators will be voting on our bill that provides the spectrum, (D Block) we need along with the funding to build out a broadband network. This is the first of several votes, but it is the key vote to get the bill out of the committee.

APCO International and the PUBLIC SAFETY ALLIANCE urge you to take action today to CALL, EMAIL, and WRITE your U.S. Senator who is a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, to strongly urge them to support passage of S.911: The SPECTRUM Act of 2011 during its scheduled mark-up before the full committee this Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 10am. Your actions are important to ensure that this critical bill is favorably voted out of committee this week, so that it can get to the floor and be favorably considered before the entire U.S. Senate departs for the August recess in a few weeks.

When you call, email or fax your Senator, please make sure you mention your Name, Title, Agency, City and State and tell them the following:
“Public safety in our state needs your support for passage of S.911, the SPECTRUM Act of 2011, during its scheduled mark-up before the full Committee of the Commerce, Science and Transportation on Wednesday, June 8, at 10 am EDT. Public safety needs to be allocated the spectrum and funding proposed under the Chairman’s draft bill.”

• Senator Daniel K. Inouye – Hawaii (202) 224- 3934 / Fax (202) 224-6747 / Email anthony_ching@inouye.senate.gov

• Senator Maria Cantwell – Washington (202) 224-3441 / Fax (202) 228-0514 / Email michael_daum@cantwell.senate.gov

• Senator Mark Pryor – Arkansas (202) 224-2353 / Fax (202) 228-0908 / Email sarah_holland@pryor.senate.gov

• Senator Claire McCaskill – Missouri (202) 224-6154 / Fax (202) 228-6326 / Email david_toomey@mccaskill.senate.gov

• Senator Tom Udall - New Mexico (202) 224-6621 / Fax (202) 228-3261 / Email kevin_cummins@tomudall.senate.gov

• Senator Mark Warner – Virginia (202) 224-2023 / Fax (202) 224-6295 / Email neeta_bidwai@warner.senate.gov

• Senator Mark Begich – Alaska (202) 224-3004 / Fax (202) 224-2354 / Email meagan_foster@begich.senate.gov and john_richards@begich.senate.gov

• Senator Olympia Snowe – Maine (202) 224-5344 / Fax (202) 224-1946/ Email matthew_hussey@snowe.senate.gov

• Senator Jim DeMint - South Carolina (202) 224-6121 / Fax (202) 228-5143 / Email jeff_murray@demint.senate.gov and kim_wallner@demint.senate.gov

• Senator John Thune - South Dakota (202) 224-2321 / Fax (202) 228-5429 / Email jessica_yearous@thune.senate.gov and david_schwietert@thune.senate.gov

• Senator Roger Wicker – Mississippi (202) 224-6253 / Fax (202) 228-0378/ Email bob_foster@wicker.senate.gov

• Senator Johnny Isakson – Georgia (202) 224-3643 / Fax (202) 228-0724 / Email joan_kirchner@isakson.senate.gov

• Senator Roy Blunt – Missouri (202) 224-5721 /Fax (202) 224-8149 / Email jack_smedile@blunt.senate.gov

• Senator John Boozman – Arkansas (202) 224- 4843 / Fax (202) 228-1371 / Email kathee_facchiano@boozman.senate.gov and jordan_forbes@boozman.senate.gov

• Senator Patrick J. Toomey- Pennsylvania (202) 224-4254 / Fax (202) 228-0284 / Email james_wallner@toomey.senate.gov and tessie_abraham@toomey.senate.gov

• Senator Marco Rubio – Florida (202) 224-3041 / Fax (202) 228-0285 / Email darren_achord@rubio.senate.gov

• Senator Kelly Ayotte - New Hampshire (202) 224-3324 / Fax (202) 224-4952 / Email adam_hechavarria@ayotte.senate.gov and rob_seidman@ayotte.senate.gov

• Senator Dean Heller – Nevada (202) 224-6244 / Fax (202) 228-2193 / Email leeann_gibson@heller.senate.gov

Why do you need to act? Senator John “Jay” Rockefeller, IV (D-WV), Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), recently proposed bipartisan draft legislation, S.911: the SPECTRUM Act of 2011. This bipartisan legislation would mandate that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allocate the 10 MHz of spectrum in the 700 band, known as the D Block, to public safety, along with significant federal funding derived from other spectrum auction proceeds, for the creation of a nationwide, interoperable public safety mission-critical broadband network. This is Chairman Rockefeller and the committee’s top legislative priority, is supported by the Obama Administration, and a large bipartisan group of other House and Senate leaders. The entire public safety and state and local government community also strongly supports this legislation as a top priority. APCO believes the new mobile broadband network will improve our nation’s public safety and homeland security, and it will provide our first responders with new interoperable communications technologies that are long overdue and urgently needed. Additionally, the network will enable our local, tribal, state and federal public safety agencies to provide more cost effective services to the communities served, while producing millions of dollars in long-term cost savings through more efficient delivery of next generation technologies.

Who else supports this effort? APCO International is joined by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCC), the Major County Sheriffs’ Association (MCSA), the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs), the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) and the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) as part of the Public Safety Alliance in advocating for this legislation. For a full list of supporters, go to http://www.psafirst.org/.

Governor Brownback signs bill

2011-05-19T15:03:00.000-05:00

Kansas Governor Brownback signed into law Wednesday, Senate Bill 50 which pertains to 911 phone tax and funding of PSAPs. Information and text of the bill can be found at http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2011_12/year1/measures/sb50/. Kansas APCO Legislative Chair Michele Abbott reminds everyone that if your municipality has a Resolution or Ordinance in place pertaining to 911 funding or expenditures, it should be updated to comply with SB50.

Sawyer appointed to State Committee

2011-05-19T14:55:00.000-05:00

Bob Sawyer from Hutchinson/Reno County Emergency Communications has been appointed to serve as the Kansas APCO Representative on the Kansas Emergency Alert System Committee. The committee is a part of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management. For committee info and contact information for Bob, visit the "Appointments" page at www.ksapco.net.

START Operations Manual posted

2011-05-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

The START (State Telecommunicator All-Hazards Response Team) Operations Manual has been posted on the Kansas APCO Website. You can view the manual in .pdf format on the index page or the resource page at www.ksapco.net.

SB50 goes to Governor

2011-05-06T11:07:00.000-05:00

The House and Senate have unanimously passed and finalized the legislation on Senate Bill 50. It now goes to the Governor to be signed into law.

Photos of Spring Conference posted

2011-04-29T11:52:00.000-05:00

You can view photos of the Spring '11 Conference in Topeka by following this link...http://www.flickr.com/photos/ksapco/sets/72157626608447132/

Executive Director Rice to leave APCO

2011-04-25T07:35:00.000-05:00

From Executive Council Rep Michele Abbott: This message is provided to you as official notice that Executive Director George Rice has made a career decision to step down from his position with APCO International effective June 30, 2011.

The five years of George’s tenure have been a challenging time for the field of public safety and for APCO International. Yet, it was also a highly productive time, where APCO grew in professionalism and permanent infrastructure supports needed to thrive in current and future settings. For these and many other aspects of APCO International’s endeavors over the past five years, and on behalf of the Executive Committee, I offer a sincere thank you to George for his leadership.

As of July 1, Deputy Executive Director Mark Cannon will assume the role of Interim Executive Director, supported by the senior staff team of Chief Operations Officer Barbara Myers and Chief Administrative Officer Ricky Marshall.

The Executive Committee is currently examining Policy Manual provisions for an Executive Director search, in conjunction with the strategic needs of the association. Further updates on these matters will be provided as information becomes available.

We wish George all the best in this next stage of his career.

Additional classes available

2011-04-19T15:38:00.000-05:00

Additional presentations from the APCO/KCJIS Spring Conference are now available at www.kspaco.net. Check back frequently as more are posted. They are valuable for sharing the information with employees in your department.

Conference materials available

2011-04-13T16:38:00.000-05:00

Materials from two of the Spring '11 Conference presentations are now available on the Kansas APCO website.

The Powerpoint presentation on the DNA Databank, and the class handout from the Kansas Open Records Act is now available at http://www.ksapco.net/training.html.

2012 Conferences planned

2011-04-13T16:36:00.000-05:00

Kansas APCO 2012 Conferences are already in the planning stages. The 2012 Spring Conference will be hosted by Hutch/Reno County Emergency Communications and is scheduled for April 1-3 at the Ramada Convention Center in Hutchinson (formerly the Grand Prairie Hotel).

The 2012 Fall Conference will be held in Topeka at the downtown Ramada Inn. The conference will be in October, however dates and times have not yet been set.

With budget preparations on the horizon, be sure to budget funds to attend these two conferences! They are valuable for gaining knowledge about your job, about upcoming technologies, to network with and learn from colleagues, and to stay abreast of changing legislation.

Fall Conference '11

2011-04-13T16:30:00.000-05:00

Kansas APCO announced today that the 2011 Fall Conference will be held in Wichita, and hosted by Sedgwick County Emergency Communications and the Andover Police Department.

Check back at www.ksapco.net as dates and locations develop.

Spring Conference is winding down

2011-04-12T14:50:00.000-05:00

The Spring Kansas APCO/KCJIS Conference is winding down. Thanks to everyone who participated or instructed, and thanks to the conference host Shawnee County Sheriff's Office. Check back for more information on the conference as well as photos of the event.

Department of Homeland Security issues new document

2011-04-12T10:18:00.000-05:00

The Department of Homeland Security has issued "A Practical Guide to Narrowbanding". The guide is one of many emergency communications resources available, including the NIFOG, the Plain Language Guide, and templates to help draft SOPS and MOUs.
The guide to narrowbanding, along with other resources, can be found at their website at http://www.dhs.gov/files/publications/gc_1285865538920.shtm.

HAPPY NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK!

2011-04-11T08:21:00.000-05:00

A salute to everyone who performs the duties of Public Safety Dispatching. You are in an honorable profession, your work is critical, and you save countless lives every day. Hats off to each of you.

April 10-16: National Telecommunicators Week

2011-04-05T15:04:00.000-05:00

Next week is National Telecommunicators Week. Two sources of information are http://ntw911.com/, and http://npstw.com/. Hats off to all public safety dispatchers who give of themselves to serve their citizens.

April is National 9-1-1 Education Month

2011-04-05T15:02:00.000-05:00

April is National 9-1-1 Education Month, a time to focus on public education about 9-1-1 and emergency communications systems. There are many resources for information including http://psc.apcointl.org/2011/03/17/apco-international-featured-on-dr-oz-9-1-1-segment/,
http://www.e911institute.org/, and http://www.911forkids.com/.

Tentative Conference Schedule posted

2011-04-05T08:25:00.000-05:00

While it is always subject to last minute changes, the schedule for the Spring Conference has been posted. The document shows class and meeting times, a list of general and breakout sessions, as well as instructor bios. Remember, this is a combined KSAPCO and KCJIS Conference, and there is still time to register. Visit the webpage at www.ksapco.net.

Vendors can now pay on-line

2011-04-05T08:21:00.000-05:00

Vendors who have booths at the Spring Conference, or those who are sponsoring Kansas APCO can now pay on-line. Visit the Spring Conference page at http://www.ksapco.net/.

Spring Conference class descriptions updated

2011-03-31T17:17:00.000-05:00

Descriptions of classes being offered at the Spring Kansas APCO/KCJIS Conference have been updated. You can view them at http://www.ksapco.net/spring_schedule.html.

Senate Bill 50 passes the House

2011-03-23T11:29:00.000-05:00

Senate Bill 50 passed through the Kansas House today with one amendment. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

Spring Conference nearing

2011-03-18T16:18:00.000-05:00

The Kansas APCO Spring 2011Conference is quickly upon us. This year it is being held at the Ramada Inn in Topeka Kansas on April 10-12. Also this year, instead of the KCJIS Conference being held separately, they are combining with our conference. This should be a great conference. This is a wonderful time to network with your fellow dispatchers and other public safety officials. It is jammed pack with a lot of great and relevant training. You also have the ability to see some of the wonderful products that are available for dispatch, dispatch centers and criminal justice agencies by visiting the vendors that are present. The pre-registration deadline expires on March 27. This is the time to make the last push to get your agency to allow you to come. You may get the specifics of the conference at the Kansas Chapter of APCO Web site of:

http://ksapco.net/spring.html

If you have been to a conference, then you already know how great they are and how much you can learn and yes, even relax. We have some great social functions and entertainment provided and we will also be announcing our Telecomunicator of the Year. Come and see what all the fun is about and honor your wonderful profession. You will return back to work refreshed with more knowledge and many ideas to present to your employer and co-workers.

I would also like to encourage you to join APCO International. You don’t have to be an APCO member to come to the conference but there is a $ 15 discount if you are a member. If you are interested in joining APCO, please download an application at the below link:

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

Whether you can make it or not, as the Kansas Chapter Executive Committee Person, I would encourage you to let me know about any ideas or concerns you have that can make the Kansas Chapter of APCO better, or the dispatch profession in general. I will be happy to take these ideas and present them to the Board of Directors and be an advocate for you to the board. Our goal is to make the Telecommunicator profession in the State of Kansas the best it can possibly be.

You may contact me below with any information or I will be available at the Topeka Spring Conference to visit with you. Please pass this on to your fellow co-workers and I hope to see you all at the conference.

Brad L. Gilges
Kansas Chapter of APCO
http://ksapco.net/
Chapter Executive Committee-person
Vendor Liaison Representative
% Franklin County Sheriff's Office
305 S. Main St.
Ottawa, Kansas 66067
E-mail: bgilges@franklincoks.org
http://www.franklincoks.org/
Phone: 785-242-3800
Fax: 785-229-1205

911 Bill clears House Committee

2011-03-18T16:15:00.000-05:00

From Michele Abbott, KSAPCO Legislative Chair

This morning, the House Energy and Utilities Committee approved an amended version of SB 50. This legislation represents comprehensive change in the 911 laws of the state. As the bill came out of the House Committee, it:
• Imposes a 55¢ monthly fee on all wireless, wireline, and VOIP services and a 1.1% fee on all prepaid services. The Senate had reduced the amount to 50¢ (and 1% for prepaid).
• The fee will be collected centrally by the Local Collection Point Administrator (LCPA) that will be selected by the 911 coordinating council. Funds will be redistributed to PSAPs based upon zip+4 data. There will be a grant fund available to help smaller PSAPs and each county will be guaranteed at least an annual distribution of $50,000.
• Establishes a 911 coordinating council to be headed by a PSAP Administrator.
• Establishes limits to the uses of these funds that are consistent with current law in this area. Also, requires monies to be repaid to the grant fund if they are used for a non-allowable purpose.

The House's work returns the fee to a level where PSAPs in Kansas should be held harmless (and some will receive enhanced 911 funds). In addition, the House reduced the state bureaucracy that was set out in the Senate bill. If the bill clears the House Floor next week, it will be headed to a conference committee to work out the differences between the House and the Senate versions of the bill.

House Committee votes today; Call to Action!

2011-03-17T08:59:00.000-05:00

From Melissa Wangemann, Kansas Association of Counties - The House Energy and Utilities Committee will be working 911 tomorrow, Thursday 3/17. We are expecting approximately 25 amendments to be offered to the bill. Substantially amending the bill will make it difficult to find compromise in conference committee between the House and Senate. We are worried about losing the legislation. The Sena te is saying this is the last year it will hear the legislation; it is now or never. We are recommending that no amendments be adopted, except for one -- the amendment that increases the fee from $.50 to $.55.

Please contact your House members, especially those on the House Energy and Utilities Committee, and ask them to hold off the amendments. A complete listing of the committee is available at:

http://kslegislature.org/li/b2011_12/year1/committees/ctte_h_engy_utls_1/

You can click on the Representative's name and go to his/her website and the Representative's phone number and email address are available.

Update on SB50

2011-03-14T15:10:00.000-05:00

From Legislative Chair Michele Abbott;

The House is currently hearing SB 50 and LKM submitted an amendment to make the bill look more like SB 48 from last year, which got hung up in the Senate last year.

Legislative updates from both the KAC and LKM, as well as a comparison between the 2011 SB50 and the 2010 version of SB48 are included on the KSAPCO website at http://www.ksapco.net/SB50.html.

Click on "Update on SB50" to link to the document.

Deadline for TCOY nears

2011-02-25T11:39:00.000-06:00

The deadline for nominations for 2010 Telecommunicator of the Year is rapidly approaching. Applications must be received by March 1. If you know of someone deserving of this prestigious award, you can obtain an application packet at http://www.ksapco.net/TCOY.html.

SB50 passes Senate; goes to House

2011-02-25T11:35:00.000-06:00

Senate Bill 50 (substitute) passed the Kansas Senate yesterday by a vote of 39-0. The Bill now goes to the Kansas House for deliberations there. SB50 pertains to 9-1-1 fees and distributions. For more information, visit the KSAPCO webpage at http://www.ksapco.net/legislation.html.

US Bill HR607

2011-02-23T08:50:00.000-06:00

A link to HR607, the "Broadband for Responders Act of 2011" has been placed on the KSAPCO website at
http://www.ksapco.net/files/BILL_HR607.pdf.

KSAPCO announces joint conference

2011-02-18T14:33:00.000-06:00

The Spring Conference this year will actually be a joint KSAPCO and KCJIS Conferencee. While the schedule is not yet complete, a draft of the progress made so far has been posted on the Conference webpage. You can preview the conference at www.ksapco.net.

Lt. Berneking to retire

2011-02-11T13:45:00.000-06:00

A retirement reception for Lt. Martin Berneking, Communications Supervisor with the Kansas Highway Patrol will be held on March 2, 2011, from 1300 to 1500 hours in the Troop C Conference Room, Troop C Headquarters, 2019 E. Iron Ave, Salina. Congratulations to the Lieutenant for your years of service! A flyer on the event can be downloaded for posting at http://www.ksapco.net/files/Berneking_retirement_.pdf.

Garden City to host CTO Course

2011-02-07T08:33:00.000-06:00

The Garden City Police Department is hosting APCO's CTO Course in June. Learn more information and see the course flyer at http://www.ksapco.net/training.html.

Legislative Update, February 2nd

2011-02-07T08:31:00.000-06:00

From Legislative Chair Michelle Abbott, February 2 - Yesterday the Senate Utilities Committee began hearings on SB 50, the 911 bill. I have attached a copy of the testimony. Of particular interest in that packet of documents is:Page 1 and 2 are flow charts for the current and the proposed 911 funding process.The next five pages contain a description of the bill provisions as provided by legislative research.The next six pages is an explanation of the bill from the revisor's office along with a two page amendment which is technical corrections.Pages 16-18 is a chart prepared by the current LCPA (KLM and KAC) showing current funding for each PSAP and the expected funding under the proposal.Pages 20-23 is information supplied by the current LCPA (KLM and KAC) showing the number of phone units in each PSAP jurisdiction.The remainder is general testimony, including ours. I urge all of you to look at the charts, especially those on pages 16-18. Let me know of any concerns you want me to inquire about or pursue changing.

Learn more at http://www.ksapco.net/files/911_Senate_Testimony_1-31-2011_1_.pdf.

Registration for Spring Conference now open!

2011-02-01T15:06:00.000-06:00

Registration for the Spring Conference is now open. You can register by mail, fax, or on-line, and can now pay on-line using Credit Card or Paypal. Visit the website at www.ksapco.net for more information.

Senate Bill 50 Spreadsheet

2011-01-26T16:38:00.000-06:00

The KAC has put together a spreadsheet estimating how the current version of SB50, if passed, will affect revenues received by Counties. It can be viewed at http://www.ksapco.net/legislation.html.

Draft of Senate Bill 50 available

2011-01-26T11:31:00.000-06:00

Senate Bill 50, which applies to the "emergency communications service; relating to fees, charges, collection and distribution" is now available on the Kansas APCO website at http://www.ksapco.net/legislation.html. Senate Bill 30, also released this week pertains only to "prepaid wireless fees, collection, and distribution". Remember, Kansas APCO is requesting you or your Governing Bodies write letters to your legislators regarding these bills.

Newsletter available.

2011-01-24T15:00:00.000-06:00

APCO's "Chapter and Member Services" newsletter for January 2011 is now available in the "Announcements" section at www.ksapco.net.

Legislative Alert! Member action needed.

2011-01-24T14:58:00.000-06:00

From Legislative Chair Michele Abbott - January 24 - APCO Membership and KS PSAP personnel. Things are ramping up in Topeka regarding 911 legislation. as you know, when it starts moving, it goes fast. Please see the copy of SB30 below. Tomorrow’s hearing on SB 30 is only about prepaid phones paying in 911 fees - Mostly telecommunications lobbyist. Walt Way with Johnson County and Melissa Wangemann with the KAC will be present to offer testimony and comments should they be needed/required.A link to Walt's written testimony for tomorrow is below. Next Monday and Tuesday we are expecting hearings on the full 911 bill. It's being read into the record today so we should see the real bill in the next day or two. We need as much support as possible on the big 911 bill. Letters and written support for your agency;- your City Administrators/Councils and County Commission ARE NEEDED.

See the Legislative page for links and information at http://www.ksapco.net/legislation.html

Telecommunicator of the Year nominations now open

2011-01-04T10:15:00.000-06:00

Nominations for the 2010 Kansas Telecommunicator of the Year are now open, and applications are being accepted until March 1. Each year at the Spring Conference, the Kansas Chapter of APCO honors it's best in the industry. If you know of someone deserving to the the Kansas Telecommunicator of the Year, download the nomination forms at http://www.ksapco.net/TCOY.html. Instructions on completion of the forms as well as how they are submitted are included in the nomination package.

Draft of 2011 State Legislation posted

2010-12-09T16:14:00.000-06:00

A draft of legislation for the 2011 Legislative Session has been posted on the "Legislation" page.

Messamore retires

2010-12-07T08:42:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Mary Messamore who has retired after 31 years of public safety service to the citizens of Kansas. Mary retired from Hutchinson/Reno County Emergency Communications on Friday.
Mary served Thomas, Sherman, Butler, and Reno Counties over her lengthy career with positions ranging from part-time dispatcher to 9-1-1 Director. She was dedicated to APCO and served as Chapter President and most recently, was the Executive Council Representative for the state of Kansas. KSAPCO wishes Mary the best of luck in the future and much enjoyment in her retirement.

Johnson County photo added

2010-11-24T15:23:00.000-06:00

A new photo of Johnson County Emergency Communications Center has been added. It, along with other PSAP photos can be viewed at http://www.ksapco.net/photos.html.

Photos of Fall Conference published

2010-11-18T11:22:00.000-06:00

Photos of the 2010 Fall Conference have been posted. All photos are courtesy of Brad Gilges, Executive Committee Person/Member Liaison of the Kansas Chapter. Photos can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ksapco/sets/.

Services for Selma Southard

2010-11-16T12:38:00.000-06:00

From Rhonda Birdsong...It is with great sadness that I relay to all of you, the passing of Selma M. Southard, Director of the Douglas County Emergency Communications Center. Director Southard passed away on Friday, November 12, 2010, after a brief illness. Director Southard gave 36 years of service with Douglas County and will be greatly missed within the 9-1-1 community. The link to her obituary follows: http://www2.ljworld.com/obituaries/2010/nov/15/selma-southard/

Visitation: Tuesday, November 16, 2010, from 1700-1900 hours, at Warren-McElwain, 120 W. 13th St., Lawrence, KS.

Funeral: Wednesday, November 17, 2010, at 1000 hours, at Mustard Seed Church, 700 Wakarusa Dr., Lawrence, KS.

Burial at Oak Hill Cemetery will immediately follow the service.

Please keep the family of Selma Southard in your thoughts and prayers. The employees of the Douglas County Emergency Communications Center are coping with this passing of their Director, and any words of comfort, thoughts, encouragement, and prayers that you or your Center can provide to them would be greatly appreciated.

If anyone should have any questions concerning the above information, please contact: Amanda Reusch, at 785.312.1717.

To leave a condolence, visit http://www.warrenmcelwain.com/obituaryDetail.cfm?idObituary=593&#signguestbook.

Messamore to retire

2010-11-05T16:21:00.000-05:00

Mary Messamore, 911 Director for Hutchison/Reno County Emergency Communications, is retiring after 31 years of public safety experience. A reception in her honor will be held on December 3rd at the Reno County Courthouse. You can view the flyer at http://www.ksapco.net/files/Messamore_Retirement.pdf. Congratulations Mary, and best wishes in your retirement.

Pennington to be 2nd VP

2010-10-27T16:06:00.001-05:00

Kim Pennington, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications, was elected to the 2nd Vice President position at the Fall Conference in Wichita. The vote was held in conjunction with the business meeting and was taken among members of APCO. Kim will begin her duties in January when Kathy McGaughey, Garden City Police, assumes the role of Chapter President and Lance Royer, Shawnee County Sheriff's Office advances to 1st Vice President. Congratulations to Kim and thanks to everyone who was a candidate for the office.

Reno hires experienced 911 chief

2010-10-04T08:03:00.000-05:00

By Mary Clarkin - The Hutchinson News - mclarkin@hutchnews.com

Hutchinson and Marion County didn't work out a swap. It just looks that way.
Emergency Communications Director Mary Messamore, overseeing the 911 dispatch center at the Hutchinson-Reno County Law Enforcement Center, will retire in early December and move to Marion, where family members live.
Hutchinson's next emergency communications director - Michele Abbott - will move here from Marion County.

Messamore wasn't part of the team of law enforcement, fire, ambulance and emergency management officials who interviewed job finalists, but she expressed delight with the selection.
About 60 people applied for the job, according to city staff. The other two people interviewed were from Florida.
Abbott will start here Oct. 25, enabling an overlap training period with Messamore.
Abbott started in 1989 as a dispatcher in Marion County, after responding to a help-wanted ad. She rose through the ranks to supervisor and then director. Since 1999, she has been director of emergency communications and also emergency management chief.
Abbott is familiar with the regional 911 backup dispatch center at Hutchinson Community College's campus near Yoder. A 19-county regional homeland security group wanted a backup center, and a grant helped make it possible. Abbott was on the regional council and served as co-manager of the project.
"We just installed that equipment there two weeks before Greensburg happened, and then we activated it and were able to take calls for Greensburg," she said, referring to the May 2007 tornado.
Like Messamore, Abbott has been active on professional boards. Abbott has testified on emergency communications issues before state lawmakers. She is a governing board member with the Kansas Association of Counties, and has twice been president of the Kansas Chapter of the Association of Public-Safety Officials-International Inc.
Marion County's center is fully staffed, but Abbott said the challenge of filling job vacancies is shared by many centers.
"It's a very stressful and demanding job," she said, but added that she also loved the work.
Emergency agencies in Reno County are switching to an 800 megahertz radio system. Marion County does not operate on such a system, but Messamore said Abbott has a "a lot of knowledge" about it.
Moving with Abbott to Reno County will be her 11-year-old son, Chase. Marion County officials are considering options for filling the future vacancy there, including the possibility of dividing duties, Abbott said.

Social at Fall Conference hosted by Voice Products, ATT

2010-09-23T22:54:00.000-05:00

The Sunday social at the KSAPCO Fall Conference has been announced and is sponsored by Voice Products and ATT. For information on the social, visit the conference page at http://www.ksapco.net/Fall10.html.

Special Announcements

2010-09-16T14:01:00.000-05:00

In addition to the training classes and activities routinely scheduled at Kansas APCO Conferences, there are always side meetings that are held in conjunction with the event. I have begun posting "Special Announcements" on the Conference Page at www.ksapco.net.

Panel discussion with Kansas Senators

2010-09-16T13:59:00.000-05:00

From Kim Pennington:

Senators Apple and Petersen of the Senate Utilities Committee will be at the fall APCO conference for a panel discussion. Senator Apple is going to try to recruit other committee members as well. This would be a good opportunity to get information and to pass information along. They are scheduled on Tuesday, October 12 from 1500 - 1550 in the Eagle H room.

Questions sought for Roundtable

2010-09-16T13:57:00.000-05:00

From Brad Gilges, KSAPCO Chapter Executive Committee-Person:

At the APCO Conference in Wichita, on Monday, October 11, I will be moderating a topic called “Manager/Director Round Table.” This class is a round-table discussion designed for directors and managers of 9-1-1 / Communication’s Centers to discuss issues they are having and hopefully sharing solutions found by other directors and managers. Although any topic can be brought up and discussed that day, I am looking for some topics you would like to see discussed before hand, so we can be sure we hit those topics. Please send me your topic or question that you want to see discussed by e-mail at: bgilges@franklincoks.org.