Summary of Position: 

The Style Editor ensures the accuracy, clarity, and quality of written content across digital and print materials. Working fully remotely, this role focuses on proofreading, editing for readability and style, and ensuring alignment with organizational guidelines. The Style Editor collaborates virtually with Working Group Co-Chairs, Committee Resource Management (CRM) Team, and leadership to deliver publication ready documents on schedule. 

Position Responsibilities:  

• Proofreading & Editing 
  
• Review content for grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, and consistency using the Chicago Manual of Style. 
  
• Strengthen clarity, tone, and flow by restructuring sentences or paragraphs when necessary. 
  
• Track edits and revisions utilizing Microsoft Word. 
  
• Style & Quality Assurance 
  
• Ensure all content adheres to organizational style guides, templates, and formatting requirements. 
  
• Reference & Citation Verification 
  
• Confirm accuracy of references, citations, and links included in materials prepared for publication. 
  
• Issue Identification 
  
• Flag potential legal, factual, or compliance concerns and escalate for review. 
  
• Remote Collaboration 
  
• Communicate effectively via email, chat platforms, and virtual meetings with CRM Team members and Working Group Cochairs. 
  
• Workflow Management 
  
• Manage multiple projects independently while meeting deadlines in a remote, asynchronous environment. 
  
• Maintain organized digital files, version history, and documentation. 
  

Click here to learn more and apply. 

The deadline to apply is 5:00PM Eastern on April 22, 2026. Applicants will be notified of the disposition of their application once a hiring decision has been made. 

NENA: The 9-1-1 Association is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, political affiliation, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, national or ethnic origin, or any other characteristic prohibited by law or by the NENA Ethics Policy. 

Summary of Position: 

The Committee Resource Specialist will be responsible for the administration of one or more NENA Standards and Best Practices Development workgroup activities. The position supports NENA’s status as an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited Standards Development Organization (SDO) by ensuring all processes are followed to secure approval of any ANSI-candidate standards document as well as support for NENA documents and standards that are not American National Standards (ANS) candidates. 

Position Responsibilities:  

• Specific duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following task assignments: 
• Coordinates workgroup efforts that support NENA’s standards and best practices development work and ensures adherence to relevant policies and procedures. 
• Serves as the coordinator to one or more workgroups, aiding in the management of their roster, workload, priorities, meetings, schedules, and document production as well as organizing the workgroup’s virtual meetings.  
• Facilitates documents through the development and approval processes to include document editing, ballot administration, and comment review and response management. 
• Communicates with workgroup members such as roster outreach, meeting and conference deliverables, questions about procedures, and training related to the document development and approval process. 
• Use NENA community collaboration tools and resources. 
• Review, maintain, and make updates as required to system databases. 
• Assists the Committee Resource Management Team with duties and responsibilities as necessary. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Click here to learn more and apply. 

The deadline to apply is 5:00PM Eastern on April 22, 2026. Applicants will be notified of the disposition of their application once a hiring decision has been made. 

NENA: The 9-1-1 Association is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, political affiliation, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, national or ethnic origin, or any other characteristic prohibited by law or by the NENA Ethics Policy. 

Working in 9-1-1 can be intense, high-pressure, and, at times, isolating. New hires often face steep learning curves and uncertainty, while seasoned staff can experience burnout or disconnection. Building a strong, supportive culture takes intentional effort, creativity, and buy-in across the center.

Starting as a welcoming committee, Team Connect grew to unite an entire PSAP. The co-founders will share how it came to be, how they overcame initial pushback, and activities they've implemented to ease job intimidation, boost morale, and foster unity. They’ll also explain how they successfully engaged people on a budget to create a stronger, more connected team. Join us and learn how to:

• Identify the foundational steps to establish a committee, including strategies for overcoming pushback and building a basic team budget; and
  
• Apply activities and engagement techniques to reduce job intimidation, boost morale, and foster a more unified team. 

Presenters: Amy Bartz and Audrey McCrery – Berrien County (MI) PSAP

Can't attend live? Register now and watch the webinar on-demand via the access link from your registration email the day after the live webinar airs.

CEUs: Attend this webinar and receive one-half ENP re-certification point.

Webinar Access Info: On the day of the webinar, you will need to be logged in to your nena.org account, so please note your username and password. Once logged in, you can access the live webinar via the link in your registration-confirmation email.

Questions? Contact the NENA Education team.

Today, NENA: The 9-1-1 Association announced that Darlene Pankonie, ENP of the Washington County (MN) Sheriff’s Office, Raymond Pheris, ENP of the Brazos County (TX) 9-1-1 District, Andrea King, ENP of Carbyne, and Jennifer Poole, ENP of INdigital have been elected by the organization’s members to serve on the Board of Directors and help lead the association’s mission to improve 9-1-1 through standards development, training, thought leadership, outreach, and advocacy.

Pankonie, who will ascend to 1st Vice President in 2027 and then President in 2028, is the Emergency Communications Response Center (ECRC) Manager at Washington County, where she leads a consolidated 9-1-1 center supporting multiple law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies. With more than 30 years of experience in emergency communications, she has served in roles ranging from telecommunicator to executive leadership.

Pankonie has been actively involved in NENA and APCO at both the state and national levels for many years. She also served on the NG9-1-1 Interoperability Oversight Commission (NIOC) Board, contributing to national efforts focused on NG9-1-1 interoperability and system advancement. A strong advocate for workforce sustainability and legislative initiatives supporting recognition and retirement equity for telecommunicators, she is committed to advancing the profession through leadership development, data-informed decision-making, and a focus on wellness and retention.

Pheris, who will represent NENA members from the Southeastern Region, brings more than 25 years of experience and currently serves as the Training & QA Manager at Brazos County. He is a past President of Texas NENA and an active contributor at both the state and national levels, serving on various NENA and APCO committees. He is also deeply involved in planning the Texas Public Safety Conference.

King, who will represent NENA members from the Western Region, currently serves as the Director of Public Safety at Carbyne. Prior to that, she spent 13 years in the PSAP at the Las Vegas (NV) Metropolitan Police Department. She is actively involved in the 9-1-1 community both locally and nationally, championing initiatives that strengthen the profession and previously serving as co-chair of NENA’s DEI Special Committee.

Poole, a Regional Account Manager at INdigital, will represent NENA’s private-sector members. She has spent more than two decades supporting the 9-1-1 community, starting her career with the Seminole County (FL) Fire Department, where she spent 14 years working her way up from 911 Communications Operator to Supervisor. Poole is also a frequent speaker and a strong advocate for the people behind 9-1-1.

Pankonie, Pheris, King, Poole, and six other Board of Directors members will be sworn in this July at the NENA 2026 Conference & Expo in Columbus, OH: President, Roxanne Van Gundy, ENP; 1st Vice President, Cassie Lowery, ENP; Immediate Past President, Lee Ann Magoski, ENP; Northeastern Director, Jason Lezcano, ENP; North Central Director, Leah Hornacek, ENP; and Canadian Director, Holly Barkwell, ENP.

• Page 22, Line 761: correct muse to most
• Page 51, Line 905: correct Maine to main
• If the correction is within a table, provide the table name and page number of error and specific details of change.

 
All comments are due April 26, 2026 You may contact the NENA Committee Resource Management Team with any questions or concerns.

 
• Page 22, Line 761: correct muse to most
• Page 51, Line 905: correct Maine to main

 

If the correction is within a table, provide the table name and page number of error and specific details of change.
 
All comments are due by May 4, 2026. You may contact the NENA Committee Resource Manager with any questions or concerns.

• User: Those who utilize 9-1-1 related products or services.
• General Interest: Other interested parties who do not fit in the User or Producer category.

Due to the joint nature of the working group, NENA is limited to fifteen (15) Working Group members, and must meet an equal distribution of interest categories, as discussed above.

APCO will be the managing partner of the revision effort, governed by the NENA/APCO Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Joint Standards Development Procedures.

The deadline to sign up is April 13. If interested in supporting this effort, please complete this form. Selected participants must be willing to sign APCO's Joint WG IPR statement to participate in the working group.

Help NENA recognize the vital work of 9-1-1 professionals during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week!

Building on last year's success, we're thrilled to once again feature our 9-1-1 Hero Spotlight Program, proudly sponsored by Motorola Solutions!

Join your NENA peers in creating a short, one-minute video answering one of these questions:

• What do you love most about being a 9-1-1 telecommunicator? 
• What words of encouragement do you have for your fellow 9-1-1 telecommunicators?

Videos will be shared by NENA during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 12 to 18) and throughout the year to honor and celebrate the vital work of 9-1-1 telecommunicators—our FIRST first responders. 

Thank you for taking a moment to share a short video. Simply click here to record and submit yours today!

As Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) moves from concept to implementation, misinformation and oversimplified narratives have become some of the biggest obstacles to progress. Common myths (NG9-1-1 requires a full rip-and-replace, that benefits only appear after complete cutover, or that Core Services are purely “future-state” technologies) often create unnecessary hesitation and confusion across public safety agencies. 

This webinar is designed to bust the most persistent myths surrounding NextGen Core Services (NGCS) and replace them with practical, experience-based understanding. Through a focused, educational discussion, presenters will clarify what NGCS actually are, how they function within today’s emergency communications environment, and how they are intentionally designed to support phased, backward-compatible transitions from legacy 9-1-1 systems. Attendees will walk away empowered to unlock NG9-1-1’s true potential: faster response times, richer data-driven decisions, and a resilient system that saves lives. This webinar will discuss: 

• How agencies can move forward with NG9-1-1, (taking one step forward without taking two steps back) while maintaining continuity, reliability, and trust in existing operations; 
• The misconception that NG9-1-1 value only exists at the end of the journey and how many of the most meaningful outcomes (like improved call routing, increased situational awareness, stronger interoperability, and greater system resilience) begin during the transition itself, driven by informed planning, authoritative data, and clear governance; and 
  
• How to build education, awareness, and confidence, helping public safety professionals separate fact from fiction and better understand how NG9-1-1 Core Services support both today’s mission and tomorrow’s expectations. 

Speakers: Chris Santer, NG9-1-1 Technical Advisor and Software Engineer, DATAMARK Technologies | Stephen Ashurkoff, Business Development Director, DATAMARK Technologies 

Can't attend live? Register now and receive an email after the live broadcast with a link to the on-demand replay. 

Webinar Access Info: Link provided automatically via email upon registration. 

Questions? Contact the NENA Education team. 

By registering for this webinar, you agree to have your contact information shared with the sponsor. The views expressed during this webinar are those of the sponsor and not necessarily those of NENA. NENA does not endorse any proprietary product or solution. Contact Katie Decker, ENP for more information on how your company can participate in NENA’s Partner Spotlight Webinar program. 

The paper:

• Describes the typical behavior of international roaming devices when calling or texting 9-1-1 in the U.S. today.
  
• Highlights the operational impact on PSAPs/ECCs.
  
• Provides practical, vendor-neutral recommendations for PSAPs/ECCs to mitigate risk—especially ahead of large-scale events.
  
• Clarifies how ongoing NENA work with wireless carriers, network providers, device and supplemental data vendors, and standards bodies fits into this picture—and why PSAPs cannot wait for long-term fixes.

The bill, S. 4062, sponsored by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tedd Budd (R-NC), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), would create a federal grant program to help state and local governments modernize their 9-1-1 systems to the NENA “i3” Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) standard. Full NG9-1-1 replaces outdated, siloed analog infrastructure with an interoperable digital network that protects against cyber threats, ensures redundancy during disasters, and enables data-rich connections between the public, 9-1-1, and field responders.

“We thank the senators for their leadership on this legislation, which is essential and long overdue,” said John Provenzano, CEO of  NENA: The 9-1-1 Association. “Every delay in meaningful federal funding for 9-1-1 leaves local governments struggling to do two difficult things at once: maintain aging, legacy 9-1-1 systems and make progress toward 21st-century, lifesaving NG9-1-1.”

Provenzano added, “We call on Congressional leaders to act quickly on this legislation and to provide initial funding to ensure that every community has digital, interoperable 9-1-1 infrastructure—covering everyone from citizens in crisis, to the first first responders in 9-1-1 centers, to police, fire, and emergency medical responders in the field. The standards and technology are in place, along with bipartisan political support. The time is right to get this done.”

A House companion measure, the Next Generation 9-1-1 Act (H.R. 6505), is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC), chairman of the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, along with Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA) and three other members of the House.  

America’s 9-1-1 system handles an estimated 240 million calls per year and is under intensifying strains, from rising call volumes and outdated technology to workforce shortages and cyber threats. 

Just last month, NENA brought more than 400 state and local emergency communications leaders to Washington, DC for 9-1-1 Goes to Washington (#NENAGTW), where they urged practical policy solutions in meetings with Congress and federal agencies.   

The NENA Public Information Network (PIN) will provide a simple forum to share best practices, discuss current messaging challenges, and collaborate on resources that help strengthen public understanding of 9-1-1.

We will meet on the first Tuesday of every other month, so please mark your calendars now for March 3, May 5, July 7, September 8, and November 3 at 1PM Eastern / 10AM Pacific.

Participation is open to all NENA members with responsibilities related to public information, communications, or public education. We hope you will join us and help shape this new member community!

Click here to sign up!

This annual award recognizes a NENA volunteer who has made an exceptional and meaningful impact on NENA's standards-development work in a relatively short period of time.

In presenting the award, NENA President Lee Ann Magoski said: "Steve exemplifies exactly what this recognition is meant to honor. Since he began volunteering, Steve has made a significant and lasting impact on NENA’s security-related standards work."

Steve's volunteer leadership on NENA's Security for NG9-1-1 Working Group was instrumental in advancing the NG9-1-1 Security Standard. This work would not be where it is today without Steve’s persistence, expertise, and steady leadership.

Steve also stepped forward to lead development of the NG-SEC Audit Checklist Reference document and the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework version 2.0 Crosswalk Reference document, taking on the complex task of translating security requirements into practical, usable guidance for agencies in the real world.

Added Magoski: "That kind of sustained, proactive involvement across multiple working groups speaks volumes about Steve’s commitment to NENA, to our standards, and to the people who rely on them."

Today, Steve continues to contribute his time and talents as a Co-Chair of the Development Group Administrative References Working Group, further demonstrating the leadership, dedication, and collaborative spirit that define a true Rising Star.

Steve’s nominator described him as someone whose expertise, participation, and professionalism elevate every group he works with — and whose impact will continue to be felt for years to come.

Steve, thank you for the work you do, the leadership you bring, and the example you set for others!

He was born on January 15, 1964, in Lancaster, NY. He was the youngest of 4 children to the late Joseph Brown and Alice Moore Brown. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Stanwick Brown, 6 children, and grandchildren. Buster was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor, teacher, and friend. He had close friends and colleagues in the public safety community who became family all over the world.

Buster was the Assistant Director of the Rutherford County Emergency Communications District office in Murfreesboro, TN. He served as a member of public safety for 41 years in multiple roles. He served in almost every capacity in emergency communications, from telecommunicator to 9-1-1 director in addition to serving as an emergency medical technician and firefighter. He believed in the mission of 9-1-1 emergency communications and gave generously of his time and knowledge through his involvement in NENA-The 9-1-1 Association as a past President, both at a national level and state chapter level, and committee member. He also devoted countless hours to APCO International as an adjunct instructor, committee chair, and committee member. He will be remembered as a respected leader but also as a constant source of laughter to those who knew him well. He will be profoundly missed by the public safety community, friends, and family. 

In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and cheering on the Buffalo Sabres and his beloved Buffalo Bills. He avoided green vegetables whenever possible, earning his affectionate nickname as “the Grinch,” preferring wings or steak and potatoes with a cold can of Pepsi followed by ice cream for dessert. Those moments that made him uniquely Buster brought laughter and connection to all who knew him.

9-1-1 professionals routinely manage high-stakes, emotionally intense situations while maintaining constant focus and composure. Effective mental health care depends on understanding that context, and this new training improves access to care that is appropriate, responsive, and aligned with the needs of 9-1-1 professionals.

Developed through a collaboration between NENA, APCO, the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), and Jim Marshall, MA, the four-hour, on-demand course provides mental health clinicians with critical insight into the culture, stressors, and lived experiences of those in the 9-1-1 profession.

The training was created by Jim Marshall, a clinical psychologist and nationally recognized leader in 9-1-1 mental health and wellness. Marshall worked closely with the NENA and APCO wellness committees to shape the curriculum and led the development of course content, including the integration of video testimonials from 9-1-1 professionals that ground the training in real-world lived experience.

“This training is the result of sustained collaboration and leadership over multiple years,” said Lee Ann Magoski, ENP, President of NENA. “I want to recognize the dedication of our Immediate Past President, Melanie Jones, who helped initiate this work and kept it moving forward. Alongside Jim Marshall’s deep expertise and the commitment of our partners, this program reflects our shared responsibility to ensure 9-1-1 professionals can access care from clinicians who truly understand the nature of the job.”

Interest in the course was immediate and overwhelming. Early demand for the training underscores the strong desire among mental health providers to better serve the 9-1-1 community.

Once clinicians complete the training, they are identified in EMDRIA’s Find an EMDR Therapist® Directory as having received specialized education focused on the 9-1-1 profession. This makes it easier for those seeking care to find providers who understand their work and can offer appropriate, informed support.

NENA and APCO will continue to promote the course and encourage their members to use EMDRIA’s directory to find clinicians who have completed the training as part of ongoing efforts to support wellness and resilience across the 9-1-1 community.

Clinicians can learn more about the course here.

To find an EMDR therapist with training specific to 9-1-1 professionals, click here.

Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday and the 4th Wednesday of each month.

Click here to join the NENA/APCO Minimum Training Standards for TTY/TDD Joint WG.

Lezcano is a seasoned public safety leader with more than 20 years of operational, managerial, and strategic experience spanning emergency communications, fire services, and incident management. In his role at Somerset County, he oversees countywide 9-1-1 operations, policy development, and critical infrastructure initiatives. In addition to his county leadership role, he serves as Chief of the Denville Fire Department, where he is responsible for incident command, training oversight, and long-term organizational planning.

A certified Emergency Number Professional (ENP) since 2018 and a graduate of NENA’s Center Manager Certification Program, Lezcano has long been a committed advocate for 9-1-1 in New Jersey. He has served in numerous capacities on the New Jersey NENA Board of Directors, including two terms as chapter president.

Lezcano began his 9-1-1 career as a telecommunicator with Morris County, NJ, rising to the role of Operations/Training Manager before assuming his current position with Somerset County. He holds a Master of Public Administration and maintains advanced certifications in public safety leadership, emergency management, and emergency communications.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to serve as the Northeastern Region Director,” said Lezcano. “I look forward to driving meaningful progress for NENA and supporting the continued growth of our profession for the benefit of all those we serve.”

Second Vice President | Two Candidates | Watch the Meet the Candidates Webinar

• Phillip Daniels, ENP
  
• Darlene Pankonie, ENP

Private Sector Director | Two Candidates | Watch the Meet the Candidates Webinar

• Jennifer Poole, ENP
• Meka Urriola, ENP

Southeastern Region Director | Three Candidates | Watch the Meet the Candidates Webinar

• Sharon Miller, ENP
• Raymond Pheris, ENP
• Jim Shepard, ENP

Western Region Director | Five Candidates | Watch the Meet the Candidates Webinar

• Spencer Harrison, ENP
• Stephanie Johnson, ENP
• Andrea King, ENP
• Ruth Lagerquist, ENP
  
• James Stilwell, ENP

The positions of Northeastern Region Director, North Central Region Director, and Canadian Region Director will be up for election in 2027.

Contact the Elections Committee with any questions about the nomination process, eligibility requirements, or general election details.

• It recommends best practices for implementing the QA/QI program to evaluate the performance of public safety communications personnel.
• Recommended minimum requirements for the evaluation and quality assurance of call processing are offered to ensure a consistent, effective, and efficient level of service.
• Information for implementing and evaluating the use of new and emerging technologies is included to assist agencies in an evolving industry.

NENA extends our gratitude to the members of the joint working group who committed their time and expertise to revise this document. Additionally, we appreciate the opportunity to support this effort with the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials, Intl (APCO).