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.