Daytona Beach, Fla. — The Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International will honor recipients of APCO’s Annual Public Safety Communications Award Program at the 2012 Conference & Exposition in Minneapolis this August.

APCO presents seven categories of annual awards to public safety communications personnel who demonstrate the highest levels of personal and professional conduct and performance in the line of duty.

The 2012 award winners are:

• Donna Kelly, Kitsap County CENCOM, WA  – Telecommunicator of the Year
• Craig Haddock, Texas Department of Public Safety, TX  – Radio Frequency (RF) Technologist of the Year
• Corey Nelson, Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon, OR – Information Technologist of the Year
• Citrus Heights Police Department, Citrus Heights, CA – Team of the Year
• Kisha Stephenson, Stafford County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Comm, VA – Line Supervisor of the Year
• Carol Adams, Stafford County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Comm, VA – Director of the Year
• Doreen Wasick, Mesa Fire Department, AZ – Trainer of the Year

APCO members submitted nominations for telecommunications staff, members or nonmembers of APCO, employed in the applicable category by a public safety agency at any time between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012. Nominees were reviewed by the Awards Committee and APCO’s Executive Committee finalized the award winners.

Winners receive a fully paid trip including registration, travel expenses, and hotel accommodations to obtain their award at APCO’s 2012 Annual Conference. Recipients will also be featured in APCO’s magazine, Public Safety Communications.

The Horizon Award: Recognizing the Proactive Achievements of Communications Centers

This award serves to recognize the technological advancements of communications centers across the nation with the enhancement of voice and data communications. Technology has a direct correlation and impact on operational policies and procedures. The intent of this award is to acknowledge the efforts of communications centers that have proactively assessed and met the technological and operational needs of their center, employees and service population. The 2012 recipients are:

• Small Center – Fort Smith EMS 911 Communications Center, AR
• Large Center – Phoenix Police Communications, AZ

More information on the Awards and APCO’s 78th Annual Conference & Expo is available on APCO’s website,http://apcointl.org.