Cellular Carriers Voluntarily Commit To Text-to-911

From the Dispatch Monthly Magazine.  Feeling the pressure from cellular subscribers and Congress, the nation’s cellular carriers have voluntarily agreed to provide a “best-efforts” text-to-911 service to any comm center that requests it starting no later than May 2014. The new service is intended to provide emergency reporting via SMS messages until national NG911 service can be provided, perhaps in the next 10 years. In an announcement late Thursday, Sprint Nextel, T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T joined the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) and the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) to announce the commitment. The service will benefit those who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, the groups said, without mentioning other potential users of the service. Significantly, the carriers said they will implement the service “independent of their ability to recover these associated costs from state or local governments.” Much of the spotlight for implementing text-to-911 has focused on creating parity for smartphone users who are already used to texting, not on the deaf or speech-impaired community. Proponents have also noted the service could be used by crime victims who cannot speak because of their close proximity to suspects. In the annoucement, the carriers said that before deployment, they will implement a “bounce-back” message to warn customers text-to-911 service is unavailable in their area. They are not required to implement the service for customers roaming outside their home service area. The service will only be provided to comm centers that are technically ready to accept text messages, have been authorized by local or state 911 governing groups, and that make a formal request of the carriers. In a separate announcement, Federal Communications Commission chair Julius Genachowski said the the commission will take steps next week to insure text-to-911 is rolled out quickly. “This is good progress,” he said, “but our work is not done.” Download (pdf) the joint carrier announcement and Genachowski’s remarks here.

Communication problems after Hurricane Sandy prompts FCC attention

The FCC will begin hearings on how to better maintain communications systems during a disaster, including keeping cellular and wi-fi coverage operable.  Read more by following the link
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/11/fcc_searching_for_ways_to_avoi.html

How is your agency progressing with narrowbanding?

Has your agency completed the narrowbanding mandate?  Are you still working on it, or does it even apply to you?  Take our narrowbanding poll online at www.ksapco.net.

Our website has a new look!

The Kansas Chapter has a new logo, recently designed by APCO International.  The new logo called for a facelift of the website.  Please contact me if you find any errors, broken links, or spelling and grammatical errors.

November MSC Newsletter posted

The November 2012 Member and Chapter Services newsletter has been posted on the KSAPCO website at www.ksapco.net.

Thanks to the vendors!

KSAPCO wants to thank the vendors for the Fall Conference for their support.  Please visit the Vendors Page at http://ksapco.net/vendors.html to see the list.

Photos of Fall Conference added

Photos of the Fall Conference, courtesy Brad Gilges, have been added to KSAPCO's Flickr photostream.  Pics can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ksapco/sets/.

Tools for Weather Awareness

The National Weather Service has offered "Tools for Weather Situational Awareness and Communications for Dispatchers" as a resource for KSAPCO.  Visit the KSAPCO Webpage at www.ksapco.net for more information.

Fall Conference Schedule

The Fall Conference starts two days from now....hope to see you there.  The final schedule has been posted on the KSAPCO website at www.ksapco.net.  Get a preview of what is in store!

Reserve your room now!

The fall conference, held at the Ramada Inn in Topeka is soon approaching.  Reserve your room now by calling the Ramada Inn and asking for the APCO Block rate.  For more information, check out the website at http://www.ksapco.net/12_lodging.html.

TERT training

Telecommunicator Emergency Response Taskforce training will be held at the Fall Conference in Topeka.  The Basic Awareness Training starts on SUNDAY, from 10a.m. to 5p.m., and the Team Leader training is on Monday from 8:30 to 4:30.  Class size is limited, and registration deadline is October 1...so register for this training today!  Registration is through the Kansas Office of Emergency Communications.  More information, along with class flyers can be found at www.ksapco.net.

New info added regarding Homeland Security Regions

New information regarding Homeland Security Grants, as well as regional Homeland Security Councils on the website.  You can view the info at http://www.ksapco.net/homeland_security.html.

Registration now open for Fall Conference

Registration is now open for the Fall Conference to be held on Oct 14-16 at the Topeka Downtown Ramada.  For information on the conference, and to register and pay on line, go to
http://www.ksapco.net/fall2012.html.  We hope to see you there!

Sneak Peek of Fall Conference

For a sneak peek of some of the Fall Conference activities, visit the Kansas APCO website at www.ksapco.net.

KS911 Coordinating Council to hold monthly meeting

From Michelle Abbott, 911 Coordinating Council - In conjunction with the KS Chapter of APCO Fall Conference-  the KS911 Coordinating Council will be holding their Monthly meeting.  The subcommittee’s will meet was well  (Technical, Operations and Administration).

Chairman Walt Way will address the quorum on Monday providing and update of the 1^st year of the Council and the accomplishments and directions 911 is taking in the State of Kansas.

Intrado to host NG911 Tech Seminar

Intrado will be hosting an NG911 Tech Seminar on September 18th from 0900-1600 in Saline County.  A seminar flyer which includes instructions on registering for the event can be found at www.ksapco.net.

Contract now available for Fall Conference Vendors

The contract for vendors participating in the Fall '12 Conference is now available at http://ksapco.net/12_venders.html.  We hope to see you there!

Upcoming election

By Kathy Mcgaughey, Past President - It is that time of the year to elect a new Board of Officers for our Kansas Chapter.  The office that is open is for 2^nd Vice-President.  This position requires a four-year commitment.  I can say that I have learned a great deal during my time on the board and it has been a very rewarding experience!  Information is on our web page at http://ksapco.net/12_elections.html.  Please consider running for office!  Interested parties need to send me their paperwork prior to October 12^th at 1700 hours.  My e-mail address is kathy.mcgaughey@gardencityks.us.  Hope to see you at the Fall conference in Topeka October 14^th-16^th!

FAQs

Some APCO Leadership classes asks questions about the local chapter, how it was established, etc.  Answers to these questions, as provided by Brad Gilges, Chapter Executive Committee Person, have been posted on the KSAPCO website at http://ksapco.net/about_us.html.

KS OEC offers Project Management workshop

The Kansas Office of Emergency Communications is offering a "Project Management" workshop on September 25th in Hays, and on September 26th in Manhattan.  For more information, visit www.ksapco.net.

Fall Conference Scheduled

The Fall Conference will be held Oct 14-16 in Topeka.  Visit the conference page at http://www.ksapco.net/fall2012.html.  Be sure to check back often as more plans are finalized and details posted.

Minutes posted

Minutes of the June meeting of the Southwest Regional Emergency Planning Committee have been posted to the website at www.ksapco.net.

SWREPC Minutes posted

Minutes of the May meeting of the Southwest Regional Emergency Planning Council have been posted on the KSAPCO website at www.ksapco.net.

COMT Course to be held in Salina

The Kansas Office of Emergency Communications is hosting a COMT (All Hazards Communications Technician) Course, August 27-31 in Salina.  To view and print the course flyer, visit the KSAPCO webpage at www.ksapco.net.

NG911 Workshop to be held

The KS 911 Coordinating Council, in conjunction with the Kansas Office of Emergency Communications and the Kansas Chapter of APCO are hosting an NG9-1-1 Workshop on July 26 in Saline County.  Cost of the workshop is $5.00 which includes lunch.  For more information on the workshop, as well as info on how to register, visit the KSAPCO webpage at http://www.ksapco.net/NG911.html.

Photos of Spring Conference added

Photos of the 2012 Spring Conference are now available on Flickr.  Thanks to Brad Gilges for taking and providing the photos.  They can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ksapco/sets/72157629890820150/.

Member and Chapter Services Newsletter available

The April Member and Chapter Services Newsletter is now available at http://ksapco.net/newsletter.html.

Changes made to KCJIS/KDOR Central Message Switch

Changes have been made to the Central Message Switch between KCJIS and KDOR, which impacts law enforcements access to DMV information.  The first phase of changes involves vehicles.  For a report on the changes, visit http://www.ksapco.net/files/KCJIS-KDOR_Vehicle_Implementation_Overview.pdf.

April: National 9-1-1 Education Month

 

April is National 9-1-1 Education Month, a time set aside for public education activities on what 9-1-1 is, and how to properly use it.  A website detailing the event as well as providing resources that can be downloaded can be found at http://www.know911.org/.

KSAPCO appreciates it's sponsors!

The Kansas Chapter of APCO appreciates it's sponsors for the Spring Conference.  For a list of sponsors, along with links to their websites, visit the vendor page at http://www.ksapco.net/spring2012vendors.html.

Class Synopsis posted

There is still time to register for the Spring Conference, approaching this Sunday, April 1.  A class synopsis and biographies of the instructors has been posted on the KSAPCO website, along with the schedule flyer.  Download the information at http://www.ksapco.net/spring2012schedule.html.

AT&T Obtains DHS Disaster-Prep Certification

From Stan Blanchard -

AT&T Obtains DHS Disaster-Prep Certification

By Sean Buckley, 03/16/2012.  AT&T (NYSE: T) will be able to continue operating its network and delivering services if a disaster like a hurricane strikes or a bombing occurs by becoming the first service provider to be certified under the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Program, or PS-Prep. 

What this DHS designation means is that AT&T will be able to will be able continue route customer traffic, field customer calls and queries, and provide service in operating areas.

"AT&T has a long-standing commitment to business continuity and disaster preparedness," John Stankey, chief strategy officer for AT&T, said in a statement. "The strength of our continuity program coupled with our industry-leading Global Network Operations Center helps us and our customers effectively continue operations during and after emergencies."

Having created a Network Disaster Recovery (NDR) program over 20 years ago, AT&T has plenty of experience in disaster recovery. The telco's NDR team was activated during various disasters including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, the Gulf Coast oil spill and the Joplin, Mo. tornado.

Earlier this month, the service provider conducted a full-scale disaster recovery simulation from Feb. 29 to March 6 in Hallandale Beach, Fla., the area where Hurricane Ka trina first made landfall in August 2005.

PS-Prep, which is administered by DHS' Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), helps private companies like AT&T plan, respond to, and recover from natural disasters or terrorist threats.

Janet Napolitano, DHS Secretary, hopes that other service providers such as Verizon (NYSE: VZ), which is going to hold its National Disaster Recovery/HAZMAT Exercise in Tampa/Temple Terrace, Florida on March 21, will also certify under their program.

"Private organizations across the country play a vital role in bolstering our disaster preparedness and response capabilities," Napolitano said. "I commend AT&T for achieving PS-Prep certification, and encourage other private sector partners to work with the PS-Prep program to further enhance the readiness and resiliency of our nation."

Conference schedule posted

The schedule for the 2012 Spring Conference in Hutchinson has been posted at http://www.ksapco.net/spring2012schedule.html.  Hope to see you there!

Attorney Generals support Byrne JAG

The National Association of Attorney's General has written a letter to Congress in support of FY2013 for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant, a program which provides funding to criminal justice agencies.  For more information on the letter of support, visit the KSAPCO website at http://www.ksapco.net/kcjis.html.

February KJCIS Minutes posted

The minutes for the February KCJIS Committee meeting have been posted at http://www.ksapco.net/kcjis.html.

Floyd Clarkson, 1957-2012

From the Cowley County NewsCow;  Sgt. Floyd Earl Clarkson, 55, of Winfield, Kan., passed away Saturday afternoon, March 3, 2012, at Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Winfield High School Gymnasium. Graveside services will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. The family will greet visitors during this time.

Memorials have been established in Mr. Clarkson’s name for the Cowley County 4-H Club and the Floyd Clarkson Scholarship for Criminal Justice Fund at Cowley County Community College. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.

Born February 24, 1957, in Springfield, Mo., he was the son of Lloyd and Carmelita (Kirk) Clarkson. The family moved to a farm near Winfield while he was a young child. He was raised and received his education in Winfield, graduating from Winfield High School in 1975. As a young man he was actively involved in the Walnut Valley 4H, the Winfield FFA, was a member of the Millington Street Baptist Church, and played basketball for the Winfield High School.

After high school Floyd attended Northeast Oklahoma A&M, and later attended and graduated from Missouri Auction School. In 1975, Floyd married Teresa Kunkel. To this union two children were born. The couple later divorced.

In 1980, he returned to the Winfield area where he ran Clarkson Fitting and helped his father run the Clarkson family farm. In April of 2000, Floyd began working for the Winfield Police Department. While with the police department he oversaw communications and dispatch for the department.

Floyd was united in marriage to Lisa Seabury on November 5, 2004, on the Clarkson family farm in Winfield. The couple made their home in Winfield. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and worked as a hunting guide for Flint Hills Hunt. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Winfield Jaycees, American Polled Hereford Association, Kansas Polled Hereford Association, Kansas Gelbvieh, Held Livestock Sales, the Sons of the American Legion, and the Grace United Methodist Church.

Floyd’s family includes: His wife: Lisa Clarkson of the home; His parents: Lloyd and Carmelita Clarkson of Winfield; His brother-in-law: Jerry Frisbie of Pratt; His sons: Bradley Clarkson of Stillwater, OK; Chris Tredway and wife Kelly of Winfield; Jeremy Tredway and wife, Melissa of Derby; Brandon Tredway and wife, Tiffany of Winfield; His daughters: Misti Baker and husband, Steven of Winfield; Danielle Widener and husband, Dustin of Winfield; Heather Wills of Winfield; His 18 grandchildren; and Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Floyd was preceded in death by his sister Jean Clarkson-Frisbie.

Deposit Form for 911 Funds

The Kansas Association of Counties (KAC) was selected to serve as the Local Collection Point Administrator for Kansas 911 funds for the 2012 year.  Funding collected from landline, wireless, and VoIP telecom providers is distributed to the PSAPs through the KAC.

The KAC has developed a form for the electronic transfer of collected 911 funds to the PSAPs.

A cover letter from KAC, as well as a copy of the Deposit Form has been posted at http://www.ksapco.net/911_Council.html under "Information".

Information on HR3630 posted

Federal Legislation HR3630, the "Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012" includes language approving a nationwide Broadband Public Safety Network.  Information concerning HR3630 has been posted on the Kansas APCO website at http://www.ksapco.net/legislation.html.

Included is a notice from the FCC asking for nominations for a Technical Committee for First Responder Interoperability, of which nominations must be received by March 7.

Also included is the text of the HR3630 Bill, as enrolled, a Conference Report on HR3630, and a review of an APCO Webinar reviewing HR3630.

APCO International now offering Group Memberships

APCO International is now offering Group Membership rates.  For information on all membership categories, individual as well as group, visit http://apcointl.org/apco-membership/join-now/member-categories.html.  The page offers a Group Membership FAQ as well as the membership form.

Southeast Regional Homeland Security minutes posted

Minutes from the Southeast Kansas Regional Homeland Security Council's February meeting have been posted at http://www.ksapco.net/homeland_security.html.  You can also view a draft of proposed by-law changes as well.

Wireless Group Criticizes FCC’s Text-to-911 Plans

From the Dispatch Monthly Magazine ( http://www.911dispatch.com/2012/02/wireless-group-criticizes-fccs-text-to-911-plans/)  In the wake of proposed rules by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to implement text-to-911 service, a wireless communications group says the FCC doesn’t have the legal authority to make the rules, and that SMS has significant limitations in reporting emergencies. The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) submitted formal comments earlier this month raising the issues in response to proposed rules the FCC issued last September to quickly deploy text-to-911 services. The CTIA takes makes both legal and technical objections to the FCC’s proposals presented in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) last year, but does acknowledge the “considerable” benefits of IP communications for those with hearing disabilities. The group says any interim NG911 solution should be “voluntary, collaborative (and) industry-drive,” rather than a mandated process focused on short-term goals. First, the CTIA claims the FCC does not currently have the authority to regulate SMS messaging, disputing the FCC’s claims that existing law provides the authority. The group picks apart the FCC’s specific claims of authority in the NPRM. The CTIA also raises specific technical concerns about SMS as a way to contact emergency services. “Wireless carriers, equipment manufacturers, and Public Safety entities all have highlighted numerous shortcomings of SMS-to-911 as an interim solution,” the CTIA wrote, and urged the FCC not mandate any interim text-to-911 solution based on SMS. The shortcoming includes possible transmission delays, the sender receives no acknowledgement of delivery and no intelligent routing. Download (pdf) the CTIA’s comments.


Among the technical objections the CTIA raised to the FCC’s text-to-911 plans are:

 SMS does not support real-time communications with a PSAP, and there could be significant delays in message delivery to the PSAP. Indeed, segmented or concatenated SMS messages may not be delivered in order.

 A sender of a SMS message receives no confirmation that the message was received by the intended recipient.

 Current SMS standards do not support automated routing to the PSAP or automated location information.

 Because SMS messaging is not a session-based protocol, a series of messages from the same user may be routed to different PSAPs.

 Delays in message transmission could result in PSAPs receiving SMS messages that are out of date.

 Voice calls to 9-1-1 enable the PSAP operator to ascertain information about the caller‘s current physical/emotional state and the severity of the emergency, information that is less easily ascertained through SMS messaging.

APCO Intl launches new website

APCO International has launched a redesigned website.  Take a look at http://www.apcointl.org/.

Southeast Region Homeland Security Council minutes posted

Minutes from meetings of the Southeast Region Homeland Security Council are now available at
http://www.ksapco.net/homeland_security.html

HR3630 signed into law by President Obama

It is with great pleasure that I write to you today in recognition of the monumental achievement by APCO International’s members and supporters. Last night, President Obama signed in to law H.R. 3630; Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012. Title VI of the legislation creates a nationwide interoperable public safety broadband network (PSBN) that will revolutionize the way we do our work for years to come.


Working together with the Public Safety Alliance and our partners in the industry and the Big 7 state and local government associations, APCO International’s members achieved something many had claimed to be impossible. Against all odds and countless obstacles, we succeeded in getting legislation enacted last night that allocates D Block spectrum to public safety, provides $7 billion in funding, and establishes a governing body that will ensure the build out of a nationwide interoperable public safety broadband network.

In addition, the legislation goes a long way in advancing next generation 9-1-1 services by providing $115 million in grants to upgrade our 9-1-1 infrastructure to technologies that will make it possible for Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) to receive not only voice 9-1-1 calls, but also text, video, data, and images. The 9-1-1 grants can be used for the implementation and operation of 9-1-1, E 9-1-1, migration to IP-enabled emergency network, adoption and operation of NG 9-1-1 services, and training of public safety communications personnel.

We are truly at the nexus of realizing the benefits that advanced communications technology has to offer to better serve and protect our communities. Today, I am proud to say we made history and it is my belief that we changed public safety communications forever.

We have a lot to celebrate today, but above all we need to celebrate APCO’s leadership in advancing public safety issues in our nation’s capital.

Thank you for your service and support of APCO International.

Sincerely,
Gregg Riddle
President, APCO International

APCO Applauds Congress on a Bipartisan Compromise to Provide Public Safety with the Spectrum, Funding and Authority to Launch a Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network

APCO INTERNATIONAL, WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of a major legislative package for the extension of payroll tax relief and unemployment benefits, House and Senate conferees have come to an agreement that will provide public safety with the spectrum, funding and authority necessary to launch a long overdue nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network. While other legislative details of the larger package remain to be worked out, negotiators have signaled agreement on the allocation of D Block to public safety and related funding and governance provisions.




“APCO International thanks our congressional supporters on both sides of the aisle in both chambers of Congress for their dedication to responsibly achieving the build out of a Public Safety Broadband Network and in supporting Next Generation 9-1-1 technologies,” said Gregg Riddle, APCO International President. “We pledge our full cooperation in the implementation of this legislation for the betterment of our nation’s security and look forward to working with these dedicated congressional leaders in the future on important legislation to public safety and the citizens we serve.”



APCO specifically applauds the tireless dedication on this issue of Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller, IV (D-WV) and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI6), Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR2) and Ranking Members Henry Waxman (D-CA30) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA14).



“This is a momentous legislative achievement for our first responders and the citizens they serve with credit going to the Commerce Committee leadership in both the House and Senate and extending as well to the unwavering support of the Homeland Security Committee leadership in both chambers, the Obama Administration, the Federal Communications Commission, the nation’s governors, state legislators, state chief information officers, county executives, mayors and the police, sheriff, fire, emergency medical service and 9-1-1 communications professionals throughout the country,” said Richard Mirgon, APCO International Past President and liaison to the Public Safety Alliance. “This compromise is a victory for the citizens of the United States that will enhance mission-critical communications in a flexible and responsible way that supports nationwide interoperability and efficient use of available spectrum.”



Based on the details available at press time, the bipartisan compromise provides for the allocation of D Block to public safety to be governed through an independent board under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), funding of $7 billion for the build out of the network to come from proceeds of incentive auctions of spectrum, and the eventual give-back of spectrum in the 470-512 MHz or T-Band on a projected 11-year timetable for clearance of the channels with the costs supported for the relocation of these licensees. The legislation also includes funding for Next Generation 9-1-1 technologies.

February MCS Newsletter available

The February "Member and Chapter Services" newsletter is now available on the KSAPCO website at http://www.ksapco.net/newsletter.html.

Basic TERT/TERT Team Leader classes offered

Once again at the Spring Conference, the Basic TERT and TERT Team Leader classes will be offered.  Please note the dates of the classes.  For more information, visit the website at http://www.ksapco.net/.

January KCJIS Meeting Minutes posted

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

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

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

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

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"

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

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

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

Telecommunicator of the Year packet now available

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.