APCO Offers Communicatios System Restoration Support

DAYTONA BEACH, Fl. - The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International’s frequency coordination subsidiary, AFC, Inc., announced today that it will be offering its services free of charge to help the relief and restoration efforts for communications services for public safety operations in the Gulf Coast areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. APCO International is working closely with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in its effort to expedite the restoration of failed communications systems and the deployment of emergency systems to support incoming relief resources.

Many existing Gulf coast public safety systems have experienced catastrophic failures due to flooding, winds, power availability, and more.
The FCC has offered to expedite their Special Temporary Authority (STA) licensing required to restore downed systems especially in areas where existing equipment and infrastructure is no longer viable. APCO-AFC has offered to provide assistance to any public safety agency requiring coordination of frequencies for stations that may be required to change locations. APCO-AFC will waive all normal fees. In addition, APCO-AFC will assist any agencies in filing any applications for STA with the FCC.
APCO-AFC’s electronic access to the FCC’s Universal Licensing System (ULS) allows APCO-AFC to quickly and accurately review, approve, and file applications with the FCC.

In addition to helping with the restoration of existing systems, APCO International will provide free frequency coordination and STA filing services for local Gulf Coast related public safety relief and interoperability systems required to support the thousands of additional support manpower assisting in the impacted area.

“APCO International has been working indirectly to help PSAPs and telecommunicators suffering from this great disaster through its Members Helping Members campaign and other means,” APCO International President Greg Ballentine said. “We are so grateful to have this opportunity to offer our services directly to the victims.”

Last week, APCO International launched its “Members Helping Members” web forum where APCO International members can offer and seek assistance. In addition, APCO International is dedicating its “Sunshine Fund” to the PSAPs and telecommunicators in the affected areas. For more information, visit http://www.apcointl.com/mboard/mboard.php.

About APCO International

The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International, Inc. is the world’s oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to the enhancement of public safety communications. APCO serves the professional needs of its 14,000 members worldwide by creating a platform for setting professional standards, addressing professional issues and providing education, products and services for people who manage, operate, maintain and supply the communications systems used by police, fire and emergency medical dispatch agencies throughout the world. For more information, visit www.apcointl.org.