57 Dispatchers Trained in Woodward
APCO Mission
The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International (APCO) is a member driven association of communications professionals that provides leadership; influences public safety communications decisions of government and industry; promotes professional development; and, fosters the development and use of technology for the benefit of the public.
APCO International is the world's largest organization dedicated to public safety communications. We have been around since 1935 - far longer than any other public safety communications association (visit APCOHistory.org for more on APCO's 70+ year history). More than 15,000 members rely on APCO for their professional needs - from examining standards and issues to providing education, products and services.
APCO History
With more than 70 years behind us, APCO has a rich and interesting history worth exploring. View past bulletins from as far back as 1935, read meeting minutes and explore original charters. It's these decades of experience that make APCO the most formidable and well-operated association of its kind. Our governing documents, executive leaders and senior members are a testament to the public safety community's dedication and expertise.
What We’re Here For
Inside 911
For asking more
Than some address
And sharing more
Of other’s stress
For holding on
Across a phone
Hands of children
Home alone
For guiding callers
Calming breaths
Delivering births
Handling deaths
For bearing screams
That life is vile
While never seeing
One mute smile
Forgetting pranks
Hateful cranks
Futile profanity
And so few thanks
For answering
Answering and answering
Answering phones
And still more to ring
Whatever else
Our callers think
We’re here for them
Their Vital link
For being more
Than just a voice
We’re here to work
We help by Choice.
By: John-Paul Cutty
Lawton, Oklahoma Dispatcher
April 16, 2009