APCO International Announces Recipients of the 9-1-1 Impact Awards

Alexandria, VA - The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International announces the recipients of the 2026 9-1-1 Impact Awards, who will be honored during an awards reception in Washington, D.C. The 9-1-1 Impact Awards provide a unique opportunity to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to public safety communications while celebrating the collective achievements of our community.

The 2026 award winners are:

The Honorable Troy Carter, U.S. Representative for Louisiana's 2nd Congressional District. Congressman Carter co-led the introduction of the Next Generation 9-1-1 Act (H.R. 6505), which seeks to modernize emergency communications by establishing a federal grant program to support the transition to NG9-1-1.

The Honorable Richard Hudson, U.S. Representative for North Carolina's 9th Congressional District. Congressman Hudson co-led the introduction of the Next Generation 9-1-1 Act (H.R. 6505) and has a history of championing bipartisan NG9-1-1 legislation.

Zenji Nakazawa, Bureau Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB), Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Under Chief Nakazawa's leadership, the PSHSB has initiated key rulemaking proceedings on key public safety matters including NG9-1-1 interoperability and reliability, 9-1-1 location accuracy, and wireless emergency alerts.

Megan Noland, Executive Director, Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA). Under Noland's leadership MCSA has supported a number of important public safety communications issues including reclassification, the 911 SAVES Act (H.R. 637) and 9-1-1 location accuracy. MCSA is also a member of the Public Safety NG9-1-1 Coalition.

"We are proud to recognize these individuals for their significant contributions to advancing public safety communications," said APCO President Jack Varnado. "Their dedication has made a meaningful impact, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements at this year's awards reception."

APCO is proud to partner this year with the NG9-1-1 Institute in presenting two of the Institute's 9-1-1 Honor Awards. These awards honor the heroes, individual leaders, and outstanding groups and organizations of the 9-1-1, public safety and emergency response community for their achievements in the prior year.

Citizen in Action Award

Fairfield Ludlowe High School's American Sign Language Club

Steve Souder Government Leader Award

Staff of the FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau

All award recipients will be recognized by leaders from the public safety community, government and industry during a special reception held in Washington, D.C. in April.

APCO International® (www.apcointl.org)

APCO International is the world's oldest and largest organization of public safety communications professionals and supports the largest U.S. membership base of any public safety association. It serves the needs of public safety communications practitioners worldwide - and the welfare of the general public as a whole - by providing complete expertise, professional development, technical assistance, advocacy and outreach.