Dispatcher Debates

Toby J. Akers Jr., CMCP Bio:
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.

Valerie D'Intino, ENP, RPL Bio:
Serving in the public safety sector since 1998, Valerie started as a Public Safety Telecommunicator.   She then became a CTO, and later a supervisor while working with the Christiansburg Police Department.  Valerie joined the New River Valley Emergency Communications Regional Authority (Montgomery County, Virginia) in 2015 as the first Training Coordinator for this newly formed agency.

Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia Tech Police are some of the agencies with which NRV 911 partners.  NRV 911 is currently the only 911 Authority operating autonomously in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  In 2010, the Virginia General Assembly formed this agency, and operations went live in the summer of 2016.

As Training Coordinator for NRV 911, Valerie oversees the CTOs and their assigned trainees, as well as serving on the hiring panel.  Newly selected team members are provided on-boarding and software education designed and conducted by Valerie.

Valerie is a DCJS General Instructor as well, and teaches at the Cardinal Criminal Justice Academy. Valerie obtained her Emergency Number Professional (ENP) Certification in October 2022. She also began APCO's RPL program in 2022.  Her “project” for RPL is to obtain the ATPC (Agency Training Program Certification) for NRV 911.  Her passions lie in helping to develop staff to their fullest potential through opportunities for education, as well as empowerment through encouragement and affirmations.

Off duty you’ll find her teaching Zumba® fitness at the local YMCA, traveling with her grandchildren or volunteering at a senior assisted living facility teaching Zumba Gold® (seated fitness) to residents.

She enjoys traveling, movies, gardening, cooking, and rock painting.  Valerie collects inspirational quotes, affirmations, crystals, and journals.