[the following is a press release issued by APCO]

APCO International Honors NY, PA, and VA Emergency Communication Centers
in Recognition of National Public Safety Telecommunications Week

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 16, 2002) – In recognition of National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International today held a press conference in Washington, D.C. to honor emergency communications centers from New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania for the dedication, professionalism and compassion they displayed in response to the tragic events of September 11.

President George Bush, on April 11th, issued a statement commending the work of public safety communicators throughout the Nation:

"The tragic events of September 11, 2001, remind us of the vital role communications professionals play in public safety. When citizens need police, fire, or ambulance assistance, they rely on the skill and expertise of the dispatchers. Their important efforts can often mean the difference between life and death.

During National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, I commend the men and women operating and coordinating our Nation's emergency response call system. Their spirit of public service and dedication to the well-being of others is an inspiration to all Americans."

At the April 16th press conference, public safety communications professionals from the following emergency communications centers will be present to accept awards:

New York

Stephen Gregory, Assistant Commissioner for Communications, NYC Fire Department
Brian O'Hara, Fire Alarm Dispatcher, Bureau of Communications, NYC Fire Department

Pennsylvania

Richard Lohr, Director of Emergency Services, Somerset County 9-1-1 Center.
William Baker, 9-1-1 Coordinator, Somerset County 9-1-1 Center.

Virginia

Lynne Dolinger, ECT, Arlington County Emergency Communications Center
Karen Giroux, ECT, Arlington County Emergency Communications Center

"The events of September 11th underscored the important role that public safety communications professionals play in ensuring the safety of our nation's citizens. Those being honored exhibited a calm and reassuring presence during a time of great distress, and provided critical support to many who were in need of emergency assistance," said APCO President, Glen Nash. "APCO has learned a lot from our membership regarding the most crucial needs faced by public safety agencies nationwide in the wake of September 11, and we intend to discuss how to address these needs during the APCO Homeland Security Summit being held in June of this year."

Held the second full week of every April, National Public Safety Telecommunications Week honors the many telecommunications professionals who aid in providing 9-1-1 emergency assistance to citizens everywhere.

The press conference will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Colonial Room of the Mayflower Hotel. APCO's President, Glen Nash, a Senior Telecommunications Engineer with the State of California Department of General Services, will present awards to the Emergency Communications Center representatives. APCO President-elect, Thera Bradshaw, currently the Executive Director of the City and County of San Francisco's Emergency Communications Department, will also be present to address the importance of assisting public safety answering points (PSAPs) in meeting wireless enhanced 9-1-1 requirements.

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