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Blue Award 1

Communications Center Management

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Wellness in the Emergency Communications Center

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Cybersecurity for Public Safety Communications

Emergency Preparedness, Response & Situational Awareness

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Frontline Telecommunicator

Yellow Award 2

Leadership Development

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NG9-1-1 and Emerging Technologies

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Radio and Wireless Communications Technologies

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Wellness in the Emergency Communication Center

Therapy is NOT a Dirty Word!

Sunday, August 2, 2026

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Location: Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, 221 B-C

CEU: 1

Level of Presentation: Beginner
Target Audience: 9-1-1 Coordinator, Manager, Supervisor, Director, Public Safety Telecommunicator

Main Presenter(s)

Erica L. Walsh, RPL, MBA

Manager
City of Columbus ECC
Columbus, Ohio

Co-Presenter(s)

PR

Priya Robles, CPE, RPL, EMCP, ENP

Communications Operations Manager
Santa Clara Police Department

Shannon Polito, Advanced POST, POST IDI certified Intermediate Instructor, BA in Psychology, BA in Addiction Studies, MA in Theology

Communications Dispatcher III
Santa Clara County 911 Communications
Felton, California

AW

Alicia Williams, MA, RPL, CMCP

Fire Communications Supervisor
Phoenix Fire Department
Phoenix, Arizona

The APCO Health & Wellness Committee present this panel discussion that examines the integration of evidence-based trauma therapies within the 911 profession. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, recognized globally for its effectiveness in processing traumatic experiences, is increasingly relevant to the psychological health of public safety communications professionals.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will be able identify the unique stressors encountered by call takers, dispatchers, supervisors, and manager/directors in the 9-1-1 profession.
Participants will have a better understanding of the different therapy options available to them and how to make an informed decision about what might be best for their needs.
Participants will be able to recognize the importance of cultural competency in their therapeutic providers and how to find clinicians who are culturally competent.