Bill Carrow

Outgoing APCO International President Bill Carrow joined the APCO leadership in 2007. Throughout his service, he has seen APCO evolve with the Strategic Governance Initiative and take on tough battles for public safety broadband and telecommunicator training.

Public Safety Communications caught up with Carrow before the APCO conference in Philadelphia, asking him to look back at his time as APCO president and his future as immediate past president.

Question: What do you feel was your greatest accomplishment during your term as president?
Two distinct accomplishments come to mind, both of which complement each other: building partnerships and the launch of APCO Institute’s CALEA online accreditation manager course.

By reemphasizing the importance of our partnerships, APCO’s presence and importance has been elevated in many circles. One such partnership is with CALEA [Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc.]. As this relationship was rebuilding, simultaneously the APCO Institute rolled out a very successful online accreditation manager course, which has had full classes since the first course was advertised in November 2010.

Question: Is there an issue you had hoped to tackle, but couldn’t during your term as president?
 The issue of group membership was unveiled during my presidency, but will not officially take effect until membership renewals begin October of this year. I have remained a proponent from its inception in the Membership Task Force.

The next step is to promote [the group membership status], and get agencies interested and excited about it.

Question: What is your fondest memory from your time as APCO president?
As president, some of my favorite memories came from attending local chapter conferences and events. Each chapter and their members certainly rolled out the red carpet for me, and the hospitality, good times and friendships will remain with me for a lifetime.

Question: As immediate past president, you’ll still have a strong voice in APCO business and a vote on the Executive Committee, so how do you envision your new role?
I see myself remaining engaged in issues, representing APCO at specific external meetings and events as requested by the Executive Committee, and bringing an advisory prospective internally when necessary.

Question: What do you hope to see accomplished during Gregg Riddle’s term as president?
I think that the D Block and broadband issue will be accomplished during Gregg’s term. APCO has invested resources, time and talent and led the Public Safety Alliance on this issue. Resolution is the natural next step.