City council has approved sending Thompson Fire and Emergency Services senior dispatcher Holly McLeod and dispatcher Charlene Kissock to Orlando, Fla. from April 28 to April 30 for the Navigator 2010 conference at a cost estimated at $3,000.
Their attendance at the conference was requested by McLeod and recommended by both fire chief Ian Thompson and the public safety committee before reaching council for approval Feb. 1.
The council resolution approving the trip suggests their attendance at the 30-year-old National Academies of Emergency Dispatch in North America, a Salt Lake City, Utah-based organization, will lead to "increased capability of Thompson Fire and Emergency Services dispatchers and increase the effectiveness of our everyday operations for fire and EMS incidents."
Ian Thompson, in a Jan. 13 memo the public safety committee, says the conference is specific to "priority" dispatch.
Conference courses this year include, "Politics! Yuck or Yay?" which is described as follows: "Politics - are they a necessary evil used for manipulation or an opportunity to build relationships, solve problems, negotiate, and build collaboration? This session will help the attendee gain a better understanding of the power and structure of politics to assist in developing successful leadership skills."
Also on tap: "How to Talk to Your Fire Chief About EFD" where "identifying the priorities of the fire service in these challenging economic times is key to presenting the concept of Emergency Fire Dispatch protocol to your fire administrator" and "Don't Bomb This Call" where "responses to bomb-type incidents like the Oklahoma City federal building bombing will be examined, with a focus on initial response to the incidents as well as those sending first responders into potentially life-threatening situations. We will also examine common trends in terrorist activity and discuss the realities of modern-day public safety."
The conference is being held at Walt Disney World's Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando.
