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APCO ELEVATES 9-1-1 CALL TAKERS AND DISPATCHERS
August 5, 2009, Alexandria, Va. - The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International today reiterated their support for the life-saving work of 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers.
"In a perfect world, when an emergency occurs, someone calls 9-1-1, dispatchers can tell exactly where the caller is, and police, fire and emergency medical services units respond quickly and flawlessly to the scene, minimizing damage and, many times, affecting a successful rescue," APCO International President Chris Fischer said.
It is estimated that there are over 6,000 9-1-1 public safety answering points serving more than 3,000 counties and parishes throughout the U.S. and answering more than 200 million 9-1-1 calls each year.
"Although the system works seamlessly thousands of times a day, the public is generally unaware of the numerous people, the complicated networks, the policies and procedures and the technological struggles that are involved in each and every call," Fischer said. "The professionals who operate these systems, as well as those who build, supply and maintain them, should be applauded for the role they play in securing the safety of our citizens, residents and visitors."
APCO International developed Project 33 to identify the minimum training requirements for public safety telecommunications officers, telecommunicators, call takers and/or dispatchers. For more information, visit http://www.apcointl.org/new/commcenter911/projects.php. About APCO International
The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International is the world's oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to the enhancement of public safety communications. APCO International serves the professional needs of its 15,000 members worldwide by creating a platform for setting professional standards, addressing professional issues and providing education, products and services for people who manage, operate, maintain and supply the communications systems used by police, fire and emergency medical dispatch agencies throughout the world. For more information, visit www.apcointl.org.
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