PUBLIC SAFETY AWARDS PROGRAM
“Celebrating Excellence In Public Safety Service”
Established in 1988, the Annual Public Safety Awards are presented in April of each year following National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week at the Annual Public Safety Awards Banquet. Nominations for these awards are solicited annually by the Southern California APCO Chapter Awards Committee from individuals, agencies, companies, or other outside sources. Nominees are not required to be a member of APCO International to be eligible to receive the awards.
ANNUAL PUBLIC SAFETY AWARDS
The award categories:
TELECOMMUNICATOR AWARDS:
- Telecommunicator of the Year
- Supervisor of the Year
- Trainer of the Year
- Tactical Dispatch (Individual or Team) of the Year
- Outstanding Performance by a Team
- Outstanding Performance by an Individual (Police or Fire)
TECHNOLOGIST AWARDS:
- RF Technologist of the Year
- IT Technologist of the Year
- GIS Technologist of the Year
- RF Engineer of the Year
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS (Optional):
An optional “Special Recognition of Exceptional Performance” may be awarded by the Awards Committee for individuals, groups, or agencies based on merit (typically for major incidents or unusual events). This award is reserved for special recognition by the Awards Committee only. Contact the Awards Committee Chair for information.
The 2026 Public Safety Awards
The 38th Annual Public Safety Awards Banquet will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026 at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel.
2026 Award Nominations
Annual Public Safety Awards Nominations Now Open! Nominations Close February 20, 2026.
Do you know of someone who should be recognized for their hard work and dedication?
Download the 2026 Telecommunicator Awards Nominations Packet here: 2026 Telecommunicator Awards Nomination Packet
Download the 2026 Technologist Awards Nominations Packet here: 2026 Technologist Awards Nomination Packet
Hear the Annual Public Safety Awards interview on KFROG FM: KFROG 95.1 Awards Interview February 2026
Register to Attend or Sponsor the 2026 Awards
Want to Register to Attend this year’s event? Visit the Chapter Online Registration – select Attend/Sponsor on the main menu.
Visit the Southern California APCO Chapter Online Registration page here: SoCal APCO Register to Attend
Want to register a large group or pay by check or purchase order? Use our event registration form.
Download the Public Safety Awards Banquet Registration Form: 2026 Awards Banquet Registration Form
Want to Sponsor our Annual Event as an Industry Partner? Visit our Chapter Online Attend/Sponsor page and select “Annual Awards Sponsor”.
Visit the Southern California APCO Chapter Online Sponsors page here: SoCal APCO Sponsor Registration
National Telecommunicator Week Buttons
Visit the Chapter Store to purchase this year’s Button….
To Order Online Now – Visit the Chapter Store here: SoCal APCO Online Store
View All Previous National Telecommunicators Week Buttons (1991-2025): NTW Buttons
The 2025 Award Winners
Congratulations to the 2025 Awards Winners! 2025 Public Safety Awards Winner List
Past Public Safety Awards Winners
2024 Public Safety Awards Winner List
Questions about our Annual Public Safety Awards? Contact us at: Awards@cpra.org