2010 has past and we are half way through 2011. The last year has spawned a lot of great opportunities for Arkansas, with the past president Matt Garrity leading the way. APCO Arkansas forged ahead in the national effort to create training legislature for public safety communications. APCO Arkansas Secretary Bud Gray and Executive Council Representative Shannon McCuin were on the front lines most of the year obtaining support, and lobbying for the passage of the proposed legislature. Their tireless efforts, and weeks of hotel life paid off when the Governor signed the bill into law. Though this is only the first step, Arkansas is well on its way to ensure that public safety communications personnel are trained and prepared to keep the public safe. I would like to personally thank Shannon, Bud and Tammy Shipp for their time and effort getting the legislature passed.

As we progress into the next year, we are not going to slow down. For those of you who were at the conference, I challenged Arkansas members to go home and push their agencies for best practices and to get involved. I am very pleased to say that Arkansas, once again, has received the award for chapter growth by percentage. We are on a roll, this is an association of its members and our Arkansas is proving that.

Be sure to utilize the resources on our new website as well as the APCO International website. As time goes by, you will see more and more information added. There is a huge amount of knowledge and information at your fingertips. Though this site is managed by the association, the content is yours so please; I encourage you to submit postings and information to be placed on the site. The more people network with each other, the more knowledge they gain.

Thank you Arkansas, for improving our profession.

-Joshua T. Billis

Tribute Videos

Very touching and sentimental montage of several departments around Arkansas, as seen and put together by MECA.  The following pic’s show many of our own, both in their “natural” element and as “professionals”.   Aptly orchestrated to the theme song “Calling All Angels”, which ties in the 2009 theme to most dispatchers’ opinions of their position. 

Washington County pays tribute to individuals on both sides of the radio with these clips. Showcasing both the good and trying aspects of our collective jobs, this video hits closest to home.  There isn’t a one of us that will not experience some sense of déjà vu after seeing and listening.