The latest news about Public Safety Communications and 9-1-1
Note: Articles may be re-posts for other authors and are provided here for informational purposes only. News posts may not reflect the actual views or opinions of this Chapter of APCO or that of APCO International.
NEWS BREAK – The Latest News to keep you current
September 1, 2026
9-1-1 for Kids Local 9-1-1 Heroes Awards
Nominate a Local 9-1-1 Hero Today!
Attend the 9-1-1 for Kids Local Heroes Awards ceremony at the CalAPCO 2026 State Training Conference & Expo on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 in the Exhibit Hall.
The 9-1-1 for Kids® Local 9-1-1 Heroes® program was established in 1999. The purpose of the award is to recognize heroic youngsters who called 9-1-1 to save a life or property or to report a crime. The heroes are nominated by public safety answering points (PSAP or 911 dispatch centers). These children methodically and calmly called 9-1-1 and provided the dispatcher with the necessary information to route emergency personnel (police, fire department or medical emergency response) quickly.
Since 1999, the organization has recognized hundreds of children throughout the nation for their 9-1-1 heroism. It is our hope that every state in the U.S. and every province in Canada will declare the month of May (before children begin summer vacation) and also September (as children return back to school) as “911 for Kids Education Month.” The purpose of this program is not only to recognize heroic acts of youngsters and dispatchers, but more importantly to drive home important information concerning critical emergency preparedness and response procedures.
The 9-1-1 Heroes Ceremonies are consistently a favorite story for the media to cover both locally and across the nation. The media always provides a wonderful opportunity to inform the community, and prepare children to be “emergency ready.” The 9-1-1 Heroes Awards Ceremony features:
- The 9-1-1 Youth Heroes (toddlers to teens)
- The 9-1-1 dispatcher who processed the call
- Government & public safety dignitaries
- Athletes & entertainers (as schedules permits)
Each day hundreds of thousands of calls are placed to 911 dispatch centers across the country. Many of these calls are made by young children. Whether it is a medical emergency, a fire or a crime to report it is essential to teach children when it’s OK to call 911; how to dial and what to say to the dispatchers. Lastly, in light of the natural and man-made disasters today, it is absolutely critical to teach children when NOT to call 911 and inadvertently tie up lines out of fear.
To nominate a Local Hero download the nomination forms below:
9-1-1 Hero Dispatcher Nomination Form
May 12, 2026
9-1-1 Goes to Sacramento
9-1-1 Goes to Sacramento is a two-day event held in the state’s capitol each spring.
The first day includes a half-day of training followed by a reception with California lawmakers and staffers. The second day, members visit legislator’s offices from our region, speaking about issues affecting 9-1-1 and our profession. The annual event facilitates building bridges with local legislators, allows members to express the needs and concerns for local 9-1-1 services, and for members to learn more about the legislative process.
Southern California APCO Chapter Board Members Pauline Soria, Vickie Hernandez, Maria Esquetini represented the membership at 9-1-1 Goes to Sacramento.
August 20, 2025
Federal Communications Commission
FCC Regulatory Update – 9-1-1 Services – APCO 2025 Annual Conference PowerPoint presentation, July 28,2025:
FCC Regulatory Update – 9-1-1 Services PowerPoint
January 10, 2025
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
FEMA, Federal Government Committed to Helping Californians During Historic Wildfire Response
WASHINGTON — While response efforts continue in Southern California, FEMA and its federal and nonprofit partners are on the ground coordinating lifesaving and life-sustaining activities to support the state-led disaster response. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is in the affected areas today assessing damage and meeting with community officials to determine where FEMA’s assistance is needed most.
Yesterday, President Biden approved funds to cover 100 percent of the cost of debris removal and lifesaving and life-sustaining activities the state and local governments take—including fire suppression efforts —as they work to save lives. FEMA has multiple specialized teams on the ground, supporting state planning and response efforts. Additional federal responders are expected to deploy to California in the coming days.
Currently, seven state-run and nonprofit shelters are open and partners like the American Red Cross and others are providing a safe place to stay, meals and emotional comfort to people. To find a shelter, text SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362, visit redcross.org/shelter or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). You can also call this number if you need assistance locating a missing loved one because of the fires.
How to Apply for FEMA Assistance
After making a claim with their insurance provider, the first step residents can take to jumpstart their recovery is to apply for FEMA assistance. If insurance does not cover all your damage, FEMA may provide additional help. There are three ways to apply:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.
- On the FEMA App for mobile devices.
To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: FEMA Accessible: Registering for Individual Assistance – YouTube.
December 15, 2024
California APCO State Training Conference
2025 Annual California APCO State Conference – Call For Papers
The Call for Papers is now open to submit your proposed training session for the 2025 Annual California State Conference on September 29 – October 1, 2025. Download the Call for Papers submission form here: 2025 CA APCO Call For Papers
SAVE THE DATE!
The 2025 Annual California APCO State Conference will be held on September 29 – October 1, 2025 at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, Sacramento, CA.
75 Professional Development training sessions, P.O.S.T. training, Keynote Speakers, visit over 100 Exhibitors for 2 days on the Exhibits Floor, and attend our “Night on the Rails” social event on Wednesday evening at the California State Railway Museum.
Visit http://www.calapco.org for more information and to register to attend.
October 3, 2024
2024 California APCO State Training Conference
California APCO receives Special Congressional Recognition for inaugural California APCO State Conference from Congresswoman Norma Torres.
July 25, 2024
Federal Communications Commission – Public Notice
FCC Public Notice DA 24-722: Public Safety Licensees with multiple licenses need to update contact information with Email Address.
July 24,2024
2025 APCO Western Regional Conference – Call For Papers
The “Call for Papers” is now open to present at the 2025 APCO Western Regional Conference March 3-6, 2025 at Portland, OR.
June 26, 2024
CalOES 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Branch
The California 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Branch (CA 9-1-1) has approved the use of their Annual Training Allotment (ATA) funds for FY 2024-2025 to attend the 2024 California APCO State Conference & Exposition.
CA 9-1-1 Branch Notice 2024-28: CA 9-1-1 Branch Notice 2024-28 CA APCO State Conference
June 24, 2024
National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC)
Assessment of Future Spectrum and Technology 2022-2023 – Report
May 13, 2024
Federal Communications Commission
FCC Enforcement Advisory – “Royal Tiger Robo Calls” Public Safety Threat:
FCC DA-24-451A1 Royal Tiger Rogo Calls Advisory
May 6, 2024
California Statewide Law Enforcement Association
CA Senate Bill 542 – Telecommunicator PTSI Report: CA Senate Bill 542 Telecommunicator PTSI Report
March 29, 2024
Federal Communications Commission
FCC Lists Public Safety Agencies Without Email Contacts. Agencies missing an Email contact will not receive FCC renewal or other licensing notices. YOU COULD LOOSE YOUR LICENSE!
Check here for the list of agencies missing their Email contacts: CA Public Safety Licensees Without Contact Email Addresses
March 22, 2024
APCO International
APCO and NENA Meet with U.S. Speaker of the House and Other Elected Officials
February 29, 2024
FirstNet Report
February 22, 2024 FirstNet Network Outage Report
Letter From Jim Bugel to FirstNet Customers 02_28_24
February 29, 2024
APCO International
APCO Seeks Working Group Members to Create a New Operational Standard for Remote Support
February 27, 2024
CA Medal of Valor Ceremony
2024 California Governor’s Medal of Valor Awards: 2024 Medal of Valor Ceremony Video
February 8, 2024
NPA 357 and 559 All-Services Overlay (California)
The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) releases new Plan approved by the California Public Utilities Commission.
Visit www.NANPA.com for additional information.
TAKE ACTION! The 9-1-1 SAVES Act Needs You!
TAKE ACTION – Ask your U.S. Representatives to support the 9-1-1 SAVES Act.