By Deann Baumann

Classes at the conference were well attended; photo APCO Interational/Michael Getty

Did you know that over 100,000 motor vehicle accidents per year can be attributed to drowsy driving? Or that shift workers that rotate shifts experience symptoms very similar to jet lag? These are just a couple of small facts that I learned while attending a class at the APCO International 77th Annual Conference and Expo in Philadelphia a few weeks ago. This was the first conference I ever attended, and it was a very good experience. I hope every employee has a chance to attend one in the future, whether it is local or out-of-state. The information you receive is invaluable.

I admit I was a little nervous when I found out I was going to Philadelphia for the conference. I knew Kim Barnard—fellow LESA employee, Peer Supporter and Communications Officer—was going, but she was taking her husband, so I figured I would be solo for most of the week. As it turned out, this probably was a blessing in disguise. Without a sidekick, I was pretty much forced to get out of my comfort zone and meet new people and network—and this turned out to be one of the most valuable tools of the whole week. I met some amazing people with great stories and backgrounds, and I exchanged emails and phone numbers with many people—several of whom I have kept in contact with. I have emailed peers back and forth regarding schedules, equipment, work issues, etc. Through this, I realized our peers from other agencies go through the same things we do and can be very helpful with new or creative ideas to troubleshoot those issues.

In addition, I attended a lot of classes and found most of them to be very helpful. Just listening and hearing others’ ideas and issues made me realize we all have the same battles all across the country, no matter the size of the center. One of the classes I attended was how sleep deprivation affects us and what the consequences can be; what an eye opener this was for me. Also, I attended a class on how to improve the interview process for new hires. The instructor gave us a packet of interview questions they use at their center. What’s amazing is we have already implemented several of these questions into our interview process. Additionally, I went to a class titled “The Human Side of Comm Center Consolidation” which was taught by the director of NORCOM, which dispatches for Bellevue, Kirkland, Mercer Island, and a few other eastside agencies in King County, Wash. This was quite insightful. Hearing what they went through when they consolidated was very interesting. The key to their success was communication with the employees so there were no surprises the day they went live. I went to quite a few other classes, but these are just a small sample of the caliber of classes available.

I also spent quite a bit of time in the Exhibit Hall, which is where all the vendors are located, offering everything from training tools to new mobile command units. I was overwhelmed at the equipment available for 9-1-1 centers. Wow. I fell in love several times with work stations, chairs, lockers and just basic equipment (I think I might have scared the salesman from the chair company as I went back to him two days in a row because I wanted to bring the chair home with me.)

The closing session was hands down the most incredible speech I have ever heard in my life. I honestly could have listened to this man for days. The speaker was New York Fire Chief Richard Picciotto, who was trapped in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. His story is that of an amazing man, hero and the tragic event that inspired our nation. He spoke for well over an hour; I swear you could have heard a pin drop at any given moment as the 1,000-plus member audience was mesmerized by his speech. If you are interested in his story, he has written a best-selling book titled Last Man Down. Trust me, it’s well worth the read.

I must say that Philadelphia isn’t a place that I would like to live; it is very hot and humid. The architecture and city are beautiful, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable going out after dark and I don’t think our hotel was in one of the safest neighborhoods. I did get to see a few sights, but not everything I wanted. All in all, the city itself is incredible.

If you take anything from this article, I hope it’s a positive outlook on the future of 9-1-1 communications. We have come so far, yet we still have quite a ways to go. Also, if you are ever given the chance to attend a conference , no matter where it is, which company is sponsoring it, or who else is going, feel honored and jump at this opportunity. You won’t regret it.

For more information: Law Enforcement Support Agency (LESA)