Newsletter
President's Report
Dan Koenig, ENP CMCP, Palm Beach County Public Safety Department
WOW! 2020…I am glad that it is in hindsight! We all remember it, so I won’t dwell on it other than to say: God bless those who lost their lives due to COVID-19 and thank you to all of you who rose to the occasion serving during the pandemic. I will celebrate the resiliency we have shown in meeting the challenges and obstacles presented to us during the year. From a quote attributed to Charles Darwin, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.” As NENA 9-1-1 Professionals and--more so--as Floridians, we prepare for and respond to disasters. As they occur, we adapt to ensure the safety of those we serve! To all of you…THANK YOU!
I want to say a special thank you to Greg Holcomb for his leadership during this difficult time. It is easy running an organization when there are events and fun times. Greg’s focus was on keeping us organized and united, often speaking as an advocate for the 9-1-1 profession. From this, we have a solid base to grow upon, and we will do just that. We now boast a membership of over 775 members, many of whom have used the Group Membership option, providing benefits to more members in an economical and budget-friendly way.
For these members, FL NENA will continue to support the 9-1-1 Professionals across Florida and the nation. While our plans for an inaugural 911 Goes to Tallahassee event have been put on hold until the 2022 Legislative session, we will take this time to improve our Stakeholder Awareness program to educate our elected officials about Next Generation 911. In addition, we will continue working towards heading to Tallahassee in 2022. Our goal is to have 9-1-1 professionals provide input on the 9-1-1 related statutes and regulations being passed. We recently had a Bill filed in reference to the Florida Retirement System and the inclusion of Public Safety Telecommunicators in it. While the Bill was withdrawn, we hope to see another Bill introduced later during this session. We will strive to work with the legislators on a comprehensive Bill that addresses the issues and concerns of our industry.
Reclassification of dispatchers remains a focal point of concern for FL NENA. Unfortunately, the 911 SAVES Act still sits in committee; however, we saw significant outreach from our members in contacting their Representatives in Washington. We will continue to work with other 9-1-1 organizations, both at the state and national levels, to see our profession properly classified as First Responders.
We know this recognition is necessary as we see 9-1-1 move towards Next Generation. This move will allow us greater capabilities in sending help to those in need. We regularly see Florida counties in the national spotlight for implementing new technologies, improving on the services we provide to the residents, visitors and fellow First Responders across the State of Florida. I would like to see us work together and make this more commonplace across the state. Florida used to be one of the frontrunners in technology. Sadly, I honestly think we have slipped.
We will continue to work for the betterment of our profession for the members of FL NENA. But as a good friend and great 9-1-1 and NENA advocate, Linda Draughn reminded us several times: this is our organization. The more we put into it, the more we get out of it. There are many ways to get involved at the State and National levels; it could be serving on one of our State Committees or working with NENA on one of their Development Groups. There are many ways to get involved; reach out to your Regional Vice President, to any Board member, or to me if you have any questions. We have also redesigned our website to make it more informative and user-friendly, so keep checking back for announcements and information.
I am very excited to be serving as your President this year. My predecessors have left very big shoes to fill. I am very fortunate to be working with Jake, JC, and a great Executive Board, and taking the reigns with a solid foundation and one of the largest membership bases we have ever had! And it is that membership that makes FL NENA the strong chapter that it is. We have started off 2021 strong! As I write this, we are holding our second of four GIS trainings. The Conference Committee is planning and preparing for our upcoming conference. I look forward to seeing everyone in Sarasota in March for our Training Conference and Expo--it has been awhile. We have been working with the hotel to provide a safe environment for a fun and productive conference. Please see our website for precautions that will be taken by FL NENA and the Westin Sarasota. We have also signed contracts for our Fall Training Conference and Expo in November at the Daytona Hard Rock Hotel (sorry, no casino)!
Thank you everyone and stay safe!
Dan
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Conference Preview
In November 2019 Florida NENA met in person for the Fall Training Conference in Palm Beach County. Little did we know that the next two conferences would be cancelled, and it would be well over a year before we attempted to gather again.
The venue for the March 2021 Training Conference and Expo is the Sarasota Westin. The Conference Committee, hotel staff and Executive Board worked together to come up with stringent protocols to allow the conference to be held safely. We also put together an agenda to serve our members after many, many months of the extremes brought on by the pandemic.
The Florida 911 Coordinators' Meeting, Statewide Database Meeting, Expo Hall, a FREE NENA Class, training sessions, user groups and networking sessions are in store. For those who cannot travel some portions will be held virtually.
We look forward to seeing all those who can attend, will miss those who cannot, and will continue to look forward, get creative, and bring the Florida NENA membership the events they need - in person and virtual - to keep their communities safe.
For updated information visit our conference page, and to register for the conference or for the FREE Conference Class, visit our meeting and events page.
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Community Service
TERT: As Strong as Florida
By Dan Koenig, ENP, CMCP
In October 2020, NENA and APCO adopted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to guide the organizations in developing joint standards between the groups; the Standard for Telecommunicator Emergency Response Taskforce (TERT) is one of those joint standards between the two organizations. While each organization looks at standards a little differently, the MOU gives each an avenue to collaborate. In Florida, TERT is a resource we use often, mostly during hurricanes, but during other events, as well. Many of our PSAPs have received assistance from TERT teams and have deployed their members to other agencies for a TERT deployment.
Historically, Florida has been one of the leaders in the National Joint TERT Initiative (NJTI) since before its inception. Natalie Duran (MDFR, Ret.) has been an advocate of the TERT since 1992 when Hurricane Andrew battered the Homestead area in Miami-Dade County. In 2006, Natalie was a member of the initial NJTI Committee. She was joined on the committee by Tom Nudo (Bay Co, Ret.), along with 12 other representatives from other states. Later that year, Bonnie Maney (Palm Beach Co, Ret.) was appointed to the committee, giving Florida a strong presence on NJTI. Natalie Duran remains very active in TERT, serving as the TERT State Coordinator for Florida. She also teaches about TERT in Florida and across the country. If you have been fortunate enough to attend a class of Natalie’s, you most likely left with a greater passion for TERT and 9-1-1 in general.
In just the past several years, we have seen deployments in all regions, from the Panhandle down to the Keys, as the entire State of Florida is vulnerable during hurricane season. We have also seen assistance from our neighboring states and have sent assistance when requested. My first TERT deployment was in 2004 for Hurricane Charley. I deployed to Charlotte County SO and diverted to Punta Gorda PD on my arrival. The experience is something I will never forget. I worked alongside the dispatchers from the PD, relieving some who had been working since the storm passed through and had not seen their homes yet. The spirit of cooperation, support, and gratitude among all those involved was overwhelming. TERT has continued to be a tremendous resource for Florida and the nation. Their assistance is both physical and emotional when they arrive.
I would like to see FL NENA renew their commitment to the TERT Initiative. This is a joint initiative between NENA and APCO. We are currently working on a TERT Resources page for the FL NENA website. This will list links to training programs, as well as to the State and National TERT programs. We will also be working with the FL TERT State Coordinator to take a more active role in FL TERT.
For anyone interested in becoming a TERT member, you can begin by taking the FEMA Independent Study course, IS-144 Telecommunicators Emergency Response Taskforce TERT Basic Course. You should also have IS-100 and IS-700, at a minimum. As always, you would need your agency’s permission to join the TERT team.
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Regional Planning Update
By Tim Gundlach, TGundlach Resource Agency
TGundlach Resource Agency (TGRA) was awarded a State of Florida purchase order to facilitate virtual quarterly regional planning meetings for all seven Florida 9-1-1 regions on behalf of the 9-1-1 Coordinators and DMS staff. The NG911 Regional Planning Meetings are structured to allow counties within their respective regions to share ideas and collaborate to develop a common strategy for implementation of Next Generation 911 Core Services (NGCS). The strategy takes into consideration guidelines set forth by the Department of Management services in the 2020 Florida State Strategic 911 plan, as well as those of State and Federal grant programs.
The meetings are structured to share common objectives and goals among the regions in order to remain in synchronization as county or regional NGCS projects move forward.
The meetings will include input from State 9-1-1 staff and 9-1-1 agency stakeholders, as well as NGCS service provider input (by invitation).
- DRAFT Virtual Meeting Agenda and Curriculum (minimum 4 hours)
- Introductions and agenda review
- County-by-County NGCS and related issue updates
- Review and update current Florida regional NGCS activity to date
- State and Federal NGCS Planning updates, including notable E911 Board updates
- Review and discussion on NGCS project-specific processes and procurement detailing (i.e. scope of work, timeline, competitive bidding process, acceptance pre- and post- service upgrade, etc.)
Please give some thought to what you would like to include in these sessions, and be prepared to discuss any current plans for NGCS or ESInet projects. If any 9-1-1 Coordinator or PSAP stakeholder would like to offer input or advice for the curriculum or in general, please reach out to Tim Gundlach at 321-704-3153 or [email protected].
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PSAP Culture
By Keith Godwin, ENP, Alachua County
Several years ago, I read an article in The Call about a PSAP manager who created fun events in the PSAP. As the PSAP Operations Bureau Chief for communications, initially I thought, that cannot be done; but after some thought and discussing the idea with the Director, I was given the green light to move forward.
As we all know, those who work in a PSAP are hidden from the view of the general public, as well as from visitors to an agency. Given that, why couldn’t we wear something to work other than general office attire?
The theme for the first event was Pirates of the Caribbean. Every shift was allowed to dress in a pirate themed get-up, with the understanding that low cut neck lines and short dresses or shorts was a no-no. On top of that, we had food. It was great fun and everyone had a good time, and we still answered the 9-1-1 calls and dispatched public safety resources without any issues. One of the more creative dispatchers made a treasure map that looked like it was just dug up!
Typically, the atmosphere in a PSAP or dispatch center is strictly business with some casual conversation now and then. Adding the ability to dress up, laugh at each other, take some pictures, and enjoy some food was so uplifting to everyone. Before the pirate-themed shifts ended, staff wanted to know when the next one would be and what would be the new theme.
Just as a word of caution, before you pursue such an event, make sure your chain of command all the way to the top is okay with it. You don’t want the Sheriff walking in and finding the shift supervisor wearing an eye patch and carrying a sword!
Be creative. Spread some joy. Have some fun.
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For Telecommunicators
Dispatchers and PTSD: My Story
By Sarah Weirick, Taylor County, FL
Editor's Note: Sarah was the only dispatcher on duty in Taylor County when an officer was shot and critically injured responding to a call. This post is reprinted from LinkedIn with her permission. The officer survived.
This video popped up on my Facebook memories last week. I saved it and planned on posting something inspirational today. I wanted to reflect on where I was to how far I have come. That was until this morning when I woke up at 2:00 am drenched in sweat from a nightmare I had just had. My body was so sore from me tensing up so much. My jaw hurt from me clenching my teeth, and I had a splitting head ache. Seven years later, and I still suffer from the effects of it all. Instead of being inspired, I woke up mad.
Mad that I feel guilty for feeling this way, mad because mental health in the dispatch center was all but completely ignored when I was going through it. Mad at the guy who drove me to the work-approved psychiatrist that told me he didn’t understand why I would need it--“You weren't there; you are just a dispatcher.” Mad at the psychiatrist who said that while she had experience with officers, fireman, and EMT, she had never had a dispatcher come to her for help. Mad that we were so short staffed that I was working alone that day, so that even if I didn’t have a professional help, I could have, at least, had someone that understood what I was going through. Mad that seven years later, I can still have episodes of depression, frustration, and sadness over it. I shouldn’t still have night sweats and nightmares. I understand that it’s the anniversary, so maybe that’s why it happened today. But what about the other days throughout the year? I left the job to get away from triggers, I have done so much research on the topic so I could heal. On most days I am okay, but there are still days. Days like today, when all I want to do is stay in bed.
I was just going to write this and not share it. I was just going to write it to get it out of my head. But this is a topic that I am tired of getting swept under the rug. It shouldn’t be ignored. I always thought that it happened to me for a reason. It could have been any dispatcher working that day, so why me? I can’t believe that it was just by chance. Maybe I am supposed to speak out about it, to shed light on it. Maybe sharing my story will help someone else so they don’t have to go through it alone.
I know without a shadow of a doubt the only reason I have done as well as I have is because, while no one was physically with me, God was. He was there with me while I answered calls and radio traffic, He was there with me when no one else was. He is still here with me today. Today may be tough, but I know that He is here holding my hand and will continue to be with me every step of the way.
"For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, 'Fear not, I am the one who helps you.'” Isaiah 41:13 (ESV)
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Committee Reports
Database Committee Updates
Ira Pyles, Database Committee Chair
The GIS Subgroup web sessions that have been held dating back to 2019 continue to provide opportunities for attendees to partake in relevant topics pertaining to GIS, NG911, and other data related subjects. The success of these sessions can be attributed to the efforts of Victoria Ogaga and Jaclyn Church, as the GIS Subgroup Co-Chairs, in arranging and facilitating these events. Though Victoria will no longer be involved as a Co-Chair, the sessions will continue to present pertinent subject matter to those who attend under the continued efforts of Jaclyn and recently appointed Co-Chair Susan Nelson.
In an effort to keep these sessions relevant and time worthy, a survey was conducted to capture feedback from those who have attended these web sessions. The following are a few preliminary results from the survey that reveal some interesting findings:
- 90% are employed by City or County Government.
- 22% are County 911 Coordinators (4% which also have GIS responsibilities).
- 24% are in GIS Manager or GIS Technician positions.
- 10% are in positions related to Addressing responsibilities.
The highest response for future subject matter indicates a keen interest in Addressing Best Practices, with a continued interest shown in GIS topics, as well as Data Standards. Also, more than 87% of respondents indicated an interest in participating in the soon-to-be-revived Florida Emergency Addressing Professionals (FLEAP) group, to be led by Kyra Lamb of Manatee County. As such, it is expected that FLEAP will begin to take part in the monthly GIS Subgroup web sessions with the aspirations to grow to an active participation level that will warrant its own time slot for web sessions, as well as sessions during our Chapter conferences.
Thanks to those who help facilitate these web sessions and to those who attend and present the topics of interest!
Education Committee Report
By Judith Weshinsky-Price, ENP, RPL
As we get the new year rolling, the Education Committee has several training opportunities we are excited to present to you. Please see the list below to see everything being offered!
- For those of you interested in seeking out ENP certification, the Spring ENP Study Group starts on February 9th and continues for seven weeks.
- The post-conference class will be NENA’s 9-1-1 Center Culture: A Strategy for Personal and Organizational Success and will be presented on Friday, March 12th. Please note, your registration for this class is separate from the conference.
- There are two ArcGIS classes coming up, one starting in March and one in April, that are being conducted in 6 sessions across three weeks.
Registration and additional details regarding each of these training opportunities can be found on the Florida NENA website under the "Meetings" tab.
The Education Committee does have open volunteer opportunities, particularly in facilitating the ENP Study Group, and we would welcome anyone who is interested in participating! Additionally, the Education Committee welcomes your feedback regarding any of the training opportunities you have attended or future training opportunities you would like to see offered. To provide feedback or to volunteer with the Education Committee, please contact Judith Weshinskey-Price at [email protected].
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Technology Corner
PROMINENT CYBER-ATTACK: Ransomware
By Nigel Boatswain
Did you know? Cyber-attacks on internet users are now almost exclusively Ransomware.
These attacks are formulated against the unsuspecting users through:
- Fake websites (e.g. CDC logo, relative to COVID-19)
- Known software/network weaknesses (e.g. video conferencing, using Windows 7, work through home internet)
- Inadequate security measures (connecting to networks using single factor authentication--"one-click access")
- Phishing attacks against your email
How an Email Phishing Attack Happens
- The user clicks on an email received (which can include a link or an attachment)
- Once you open the email, the ransomware automatically installs
- Here, it looks for your files, then requests an encryption key via the internet
- The request for this key came from the legitimate user's device (although unbeknownst to the user)
- Once the key is received, the ransomware begins encrypting/renaming your files
- Once the files are encrypted, your computer displays a message
- By this time, it is too late to take action
- "If you want your file(s) back, you will have to pay" (often via a cryptocurrency)
- The message usually has a timing count down associated with it
- Cryptocurrency payment allows attackers to remain anonymous and untraceable
- There is no guarantee that you will get your data back if you pay
How to Prevent or Recover from an Attack
Ransomware attacks are disruptive, but while we cannot prevent all attacks, we can reduce their frequency and limit their impact through:
- Cyber-awareness (emails):"If you don’t know it, don’t click it"
- Security Measures: 2-Factor Authentication (avoid one-click access to your files)
- Mitigation: Regularly backup your data to storage external from your device. This will allow you to quickly recover from an attack if (or when) it happens.
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Healthline
Healthy Heart
By Jessica Skowronski
Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, causing one in four deaths each year. In today’s society, people think that being at their desks longer makes them more productive. However, the lack of movement and exercise can lead to increased risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Sitting is unavoidable in this profession, so here are some ways for you to maintain a healthy heart.
TAKE BREAKS AND MOVE MORE
Get at least 2.5 hours of physical activity each week. That is just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Take a brisk walk at work during lunch, if possible. Even a short walk, office-to-office, can help. Get up from your chair and stretch your muscles. Make an effort for at least 5-15 minutes, a few times a day. Have fun, and challenge coworkers with an office stretch, too!
The Standing Thigh Stretch (Quad)
To stretch the front of your thigh:
- Stand up straight, placing one hand on a chair or desk for
- Grab one of your ankles — or your pant leg — and bring it up toward your Remember to maintain an upright position, keeping your back straight and your knees parallel to one another.
- Hold the stretch for 30 seconds; you'll feel tension in the front of your
- Relax and slowly return to the starting
- Repeat the stretch with your other
REDUCE STRESS & IMPROVE SLEEP
Stress can contribute to high blood pressure and other heart risks. Also, not getting enough sleep or regularly getting poor quality sleep increases the risk of having high blood pressure, heart disease, and other medical conditions. It is best to get at least 7–8 hours of sleep a night. And if you did not know, caffeine takes about eight hours to go through your system, so avoid caffeinated beverages late in the day.
EAT HEALTHY FOODS/SNACKS
A healthy diet that is low in sodium and saturated fat is key to heart disease prevention. Try the highly-rated Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, which recommends: vegetables, fruits and whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, vegetable oils, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products. Limit foods that are high in saturated fat and sodium, and limit sugar and other sweeteners.
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...And a Recipe
On-The-GO Snacks: Easy Loaded Baked Omelet Muffins
Submitted by Jessica Skowronski
Ingredients:
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cups finely chopped broccoli
- 4 scallions, sliced
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- ½ cup low-fat milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
Prep: Step 1
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Coat a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or muffin pan liners.
Step 2
Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the pan. Add broccoli and scallions and cook, stirring, until soft, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
Step 3
Meanwhile, whisk eggs, cheese, milk, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Stir in the bacon and broccoli mixture. Divide the egg mixture among the prepared muffin cups.
Step 4
Bake until firm to the touch, 25 to 30 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before removing from the muffin tin.
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Credits
Editor-in-Chief: Susan Nelson, ENP, CPM
Copy Editor: Yvonne Rieckhoff
Proofreader: Sandi Chernoff, ENP
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