WVNCC Receives $147,400 Advance Grant to Expand APCO Public Safety Training

West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC) has been awarded a $147,400 Rapid Response Advance Grant from the West Virginia Community and Technical College System to deliver specialized training for public safety telecommunicators in partnership with the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International.

Founded in 1935, APCO International is the world’s oldest and largest organization of public safety communications professionals, representing more than 40,000 members worldwide. The association provides training, advocacy, technical assistance, and professional development for those who manage, operate, and support emergency communications systems for law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and other public safety agencies.

Through this grant, WVNCC will provide noncredit APCO Public Safety Certification Programs designed to upskill current 911 dispatchers, law enforcement personnel, EMTs, fire service members, and other emergency communications professionals. Courses will include training in tactical dispatch, crisis negotiations, cybersecurity, staffing and retention, and disaster operations.

While training will begin locally in surrounding counties, WVNCC will also extend opportunities to APCO chapters in North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and Maryland, strengthening workforce readiness across the region.

“This partnership with APCO International is a powerful step forward in workforce development for our public safety community,” said Karri Mulhern, vice president for continuing education and workforce development. “Thanks to this Advance Grant, we can provide life-saving training that not only enhances skills but also improves job retention, strengthens local 911 centers, and increases community safety across multiple states.”

WVNCC President Dr. Mosser added, “This is exactly what community colleges do best, and what makes Northern so valuable to this region. Our Workforce Department is exceptional at identifying critical needs in our community and delivering top-notch training. Partnering with APCO International is just one example of the outstanding work our Continuing Education and Workforce Development team is doing to make an impact.”

The Rapid Response Advance Grant program allows West Virginia businesses and organizations to partner with community and technical colleges to meet urgent workforce needs, such as skills upgrades and job retention. By offering APCO courses through WVNCC, local agencies will benefit from reduced training costs, increased access to certification opportunities, and stronger preparedness for emergencies.

The initiative has the support of numerous agencies, including Wetzel County 911, Tyler County Emergency Management System, Marshall County 911, Ohio County 911, WVU Police Department, and other regional law enforcement and emergency management partners.

Individuals and agencies interested in enrolling in APCO courses at WVNCC can visit: https://wvncc.coursestorm.com/category/apco-courses. The 2025 schedule is currently posted; 2026 classes will be added soon.