Resources

Locution Systems is happy to provide vendor-neutral advice on how to best design and configure automated dispatching and fire station alerting systems. With that in mind, this section provides information on those topics and links to helpful sites. Please access this information to learn more about technology and standards affecting automated dispatching, fire station controls, trends, and more.

Locution Systems White Papers

•

Check back soon for a new white paper on DALI lighting, the latest advance in intelligent, individually controlled lighting systems for fire stations.

Notable Public Safety Organizations

	•	Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) – The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International (APCO) is a member-driven association of communications professionals that provides leadership; influences public safety communications decisions of government and industry; promotes professional development; and, fosters the development and use of technology for the benefit of the public. Hosts an annual trade show.
	•	Fire Department Instructor's Conference (FDIC) – This annual trade show hosts more than 20,000 fire fighters and EMS workers from around the country, and the world. The purpose is to bring these professionals together to train and learn about the latest techniques, equipment, and trends in public safety.
	•	International CAD Consortium (ICC) – The International CAD Consortium is a group that has been meeting annually since the late 1980’s for roundtable discussions about CAD and other communications center technology and management issues. Each year, the group meets in a different city, hosted by a communications center in that area. Recent conferences have been held in Montreal, Phoenix, Chicago, New Orleans, Edmonton, Houston, and more. This conference is unique in the public safety arena because the number of attendees is much lower than other national conferences, letting participants interact in a roundtable discussion. The roundtable format allows anyone with a question or comment the opportunity to offer it. The free flow of ideas fosters dynamic discussion.
	•	International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) – Established in 1873, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) is a powerful network of more than 12,000 chief fire and emergency officers. Its members are the world's leading experts in fire fighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search & rescue, and public safety legislation. Its mission is to provide leadership to career and volunteer chiefs, chief fire officers and managers of emergency service organizations throughout the international community through vision, information, education, services, and representation to enhance their professionalism and capabilities.
	•	National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) – The authority on fire, electrical, and building safety, the NFPA is an excellent source of statistics relating to fire fighting. Their Web site also has a wealth of specific information on fire safety practices, as well as setting industry standards for the public safety arena.