The city of Portland recently hosted the APCO Western Regional Conference, spotlighting the pivotal role that the Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) plays in regional public safety. BOEC Deputy Director Steve Mawdsley served as a co-chair for this significant event, marking a collaborative effort by various BOEC staff members who stepped up to lead important aspects of the conference.
With a keen focus on strengthening the emergency response system, Councilor Sameer Kanal graced the conference, evidencing his support for BOEC’s initiative to enhance recruitment, training, and retention. Such efforts are designed to minimize the critical wait times Portland's residents face when calling 911. In a presentation that drew attention from attendees, BOEC Director Bob Cozzie and Training Manager Melanie Payne shared their experiences and strategies in the aptly titled talk, “How Portland 911 Dug Out of a Hole.”
BOEC did not hold back in showcasing its broad spectrum of expertise, with leadership team members like Ryan DesJardins, Laura Pierson, Mike Grimm, and Brian Bourdon delving into pressing topics that ranged from the integration of artificial intelligence and quality assurance protocols to ensuring employee wellness, leveraging technology advancements, and navigating the complex landscape of emergency management.
The keynote address was given by Elizabeth Smart, who turned her harrowing experience of child abduction into a narrative of survival and support for those with similar fates. According to the City of Portland's official website, Smart's inclusion as a speaker at the public safety conference underscored the personal stakes at the heart of emergency response and the undeniable value of survivor advocacy in public discourse.
The APCO Western Regional Conference, through these comprehensive discussions and presentations, symbolized a community's resolve to push the envelope in public safety measures and bolster a system designed to respond swiftly and with care to those in urgent need.
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