Agencies Receive APCO Agency Training Program Accreditation

Alexandria, VA - The following agencies recently received Agency Training Program Accreditation, a Project 33® Initiative, from the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International :

• Orleans Parish Communication, Louisiana (June)
• Tularosa Basin Regional Dispatch Authority, New Mexico (August)
• Highland Lakes Regional Emergency Communications Center, Texas (August)

On July 30, APCO CEO and Executive Director Mel Maier announced a name change for the program, previously Agency Training Program Certification, to better reflect the prestige and rigor of the accreditation process.

Public safety agencies use the APCO International Agency Training Program Accreditation as a formal mechanism to ensure their training programs meet APCO American National Standards (ANS). Initial and continuing training for public safety telecommunicators is important as they provide essential services to the public in an expanding and rapidly changing environment.

"Effective initial training as well as continuing education is integral to the success of emergency communications centers," said APCO International President Jack Varnado. "Aligning public safety telecommunicator training to an American National Standard through the APCO's Agency Training Program Accreditation illustrates an agency's commitment to citizens and fellow responders."

The agencies accredited will be recognized during APCO's 92nd Annual Conference and Expo, taking place August 2-5 in San Antonio, Texas.

For more information about the Agency Training Program Accreditation process, visit apcointl.org/atpa.

APCO International® (www.apcointl.org)

APCO International is the world's oldest and largest organization of public safety communications professionals and supports the largest U.S. membership base of any public safety association. It serves the needs of public safety communications practitioners worldwide - and the welfare of the general public as a whole - by providing complete expertise, professional development, technical assistance, advocacy and outreach.