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Blue Award 1
Blue Award 1
Communications Center Management
Communications Center Management
Blue Award 2
Blue Award 2
Wellness in the Emergency Communications Center
Wellness in the Emergency Communications Center
Blue Award 3
Blue Award 3
Cybersecurity for Public Safety Communications
Cybersecurity for Public Safety Communications
Emergency Preparedness, Response & Situational Awareness
Emergency Preparedness, Response & Situational Awareness
Yellow Award 1
Yellow Award 1
Frontline Telecommunicator
Frontline Telecommunicator
Yellow Award 2
Yellow Award 2
Leadership Development
Leadership Development
Yellow Award 3
Yellow Award 3
NG9-1-1 and Emerging Technologies
NG9-1-1 and Emerging Technologies
Yellow Award 4
Yellow Award 4
Radio and Wireless Communications Technologies
Radio and Wireless Communications Technologies
Yellow Award 5
Yellow Award 5
Repeat Session
Repeat Session
Yellow Award 6
Yellow Award 6
Mastering Media
Mastering Media
Yellow Award 7
Yellow Award 7
Federal Partners
Federal Partners
Platinum Award
Platinum Award
Gold Award
Gold Award
Training Essentials
Training Essentials
Silver Award
Silver Award
Bronze Award
Bronze Award
ViewAttendees 3

Training Essentials

From the Ground Up Rebuilding an Outdated Training Program

Tuesday, August 4, 2026
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM  
Location: Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, 225 A-B
CEU: 1
Training Essentials
Level of Presentation: Intermediate
Target Audience: 9-1-1 Coordinator, Manager, Supervisor, Training and Education Coordinator, Consultant, Director

    Main Presenter(s)

  • Ryan Niessner, CMCP

    Training Supervisor / Coordinator
    Howard County Police Department - 911
    Mount Airy, Maryland

    • Co-Presenter(s)

  • Jeremy Sparks

    Emergency Communications Supervisor
    Howard County Police Department - 911
    Walkersville, Maryland

This session highlights the transformation of traditional new hire training and in-service programs into an engaging, hands-on training model that promotes teamwork, skill growth, and lasting buy-in. Attendees will learn how our agency redesigned new hire and mandatory training to increase participation, incorporate real-world activities, and build stronger connections between dispatchers and responders—walking away with practical strategies to create impactful, interactive, and sustainable training within their own agencies.

Learning Objectives:

  • • Redesign outdated dispatcher training programs into structured, engaging, and sustainable learning models.
  • • Incorporate hands-on, scenario-based activities that enhance teamwork, skill development, and real-world readiness.
  • • Build staff buy-in and align agency training initiatives with state requirements and professional standards.