Call for Participation: Historical Committee and Submissions for 9-1-1 Recognition

As the President of the Virginia Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO), I am reaching out to invite you to contribute to an exciting project we are undertaking—the formation (geographically) of our Historical Committee. The objective is to have members from each VCIN State Police Division be on this committee.

Our goal is to honor the dedicated work and sacrifices of Communication Officers, who are truly the first of the first responders. As part of this initiative, we are seeking your help to preserve and showcase the history of our industry. We would love to receive your submissions of historical documents, photographs, articles, and stories of significant 9-1-1 events and key individuals who have shaped our profession. Any document(s) that are posted in our library will include who submitted it and associated background information, such as dates, location, and 911 PSAP, etc.

This is a unique opportunity to highlight the invaluable role of Communications Officers and the evolution of our critical work in public safety. We believe it is important that the individuals behind the radio and telephones receive the recognition they deserve, as they are the ones who often initiate the chain of response in emergency situations.

If you have any materials that reflect the history of public safety communications, whether it be photos from significant events, articles on the advancements in 9-1-1 services, or stories of inspiring individuals, we encourage you to share them with us.

Your participation will not only help honor the rich history of our profession but also ensure that future generations of public safety communicators understand the foundational role we play in saving lives.

Thank you for your dedication and support. Together, we can highlight the essential work of Communication Officers across the country.

Warm Regards,

Thomas P. Nolan

President - Virginia APCO