Location: Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, Across from 214
Level of Presentation: Beginner Target Audience: 9-1-1 Coordinator, Manager, Product Specialist/Marketing/Sales, Supervisor, Training and Education Coordinator, Director, Public Safety Telecommunicator
Challenge coins have evolved from military tradition into powerful tools for identity, pride, and outreach within public safety communications. This session explores the history and meaning of challenge coins and how PSAPs and ECCs can use them to strengthen professional relationships, enhance morale, and promote their agency’s brand. Attendees will learn design considerations, presentation etiquette, and practical ways to incorporate coins into recognition and public engagement efforts. Examples of department, event, and partner coins will be showcased to inspire creative ideas for representing your center with pride and purpose.
Learning Objectives:
Explain the history and evolution of challenge coins and how their meaning and use have expanded from military tradition to public safety communications.
Identify effective strategies for designing, presenting, and maintaining a challenge coin program that supports recognition, outreach, and organizational identity within an ECC or PSAP.
Demonstrate how challenge coins can enhance public engagement by strengthening partnerships, promoting agency pride, and serving as tools for professional networking and community representation.
