About the Course
Objectives:
Define and clarify change as it relates to Public Safety.
Investigate technological changes as they relate to Public Safety.
Discuss internal societal changes that affect Public Safety.
Discuss external societal changes that affect Public Safety.
Learn legislative changes as they relate to Public Safety.
Encourage the adoption of a "FRESH" philosophy.
Description:
Sometimes after working long hours, being short-staffed, and a variety of other stressors, it can make telecommunicators "stale." This course encourages telecommunicators to stay "fresh" in different aspects. We will briefly discuss the history of 911 then further discuss new technology and data. We will also look at changes in society/community and how they affect new employees, interacting with callers, and the safety of field responders. Major topics of discussion during this section will be generational changes, personality types, civil movements, and community tragedy/experiences. We will have a minor overview of legislative changes. Lastly, reaffirm all points to encourage telecommunicators to stay fresh.
Your Instructor
Toby J. Akers Jr., CMCP
Over the past several years, Toby has served New River Valley Emergency Communications Regional Authority (NRV911) as a Communications Officer. Additionally, Toby serves as the lead CPR Instructor at NRV 911. Toby continues to exhibit his passion for his career through seeking new training opportunities, speaking engagements, and networking with other emergency communications professionals. Toby completed the Center Manager Certification Program (CMCP) in December 2022. He plans to obtain his Emergency Number Professional (ENP) certification in the next three years.
Before his time at NRV911, Toby served as a Security Center Representative at the Virginia Tech Police Department. In this role, Toby monitored campus video surveillance systems and alarm panels, activated university emergency notifications, and processed departmental calls. Toby developed and maximized relationships with the diverse population of Virginia Tech’s students, faculty, staff, and constituents.
In addition, Toby served in various leadership positions for the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads (VAVRS), most notably serving as the State Training Officer for the VAVRS. In this role, Toby created training manuals for instructors and employees, oversaw the statewide training programs with over 100 instructors, and taught various public safety classes across the Commonwealth. Toby also served as the Membership Lieutenant at Christiansburg Rescue, responsible for overseeing the new volunteer member orientation program.
Outside of public safety, Toby enjoys traveling, gardening, rollerblading, and time with friends.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
"Toby's class was so powerful and well put together, I really enjoyed it."
"Toby has such an encouraging energy about him. His passion and tenacity really shows."