The Association of Public Safety Communications Officials International, the world's oldest and largest not-for-profit professional organization dedicated to the enhancement of public safety communications, held its 65th annual conference Aug. 8-12 in Minneapolis.

The 5,500 attendees at this year's conference enjoyed an opening lunch complemented with a keynote address by John Walsh, the host of tv's "The New America's Most Wanted: America Fights Back." His opening address centered on the traumatic loss of his son, which led to his tireless efforts to protect all children's rights.

Following the opening lunch, the format for this year's conference proved to be well balanced between a variety of educational seminars and a look at the newest and most advanced communications equipment and technology available. This year's conference offered training in a host of seminars aimed at six major areas of communications center operations:

* Management and planning,

* Innovative technologies,

* Information systems,

* Telecommunicator interaction and training,

* 911 practices and procedures, and

* Americans with disabilities.

In addition to the wide variety of training opportunities, 286 vendors at more than 700 booths displayed their products and provided live demonstrations of the newest communications equipment and technology.

Of special interest to many of the attendees this year were computer-aided dispatch systems; the new technology associated with "telephony," the integration of telephone applications into a computer workstation environment; and the applications related to the use of geographic information systems in conjunction with Global Positioning System satellites to provide automatic vehicle location.

Thursday's closing banquet was the culmination of a great week of learning and fellowship. Throughout the conference, area fire departments, ems providers and police agencies maintained static displays in front of the convention center, which attracted big crowds during breaks in the training schedule. This year's apco International Conference and Exposition was a winner in all areas.

The International Society of Fire Service Instructors has awarded its George D. Post Instructor of the Year Award to Chief Jack McElfish, Richmond (Va.) Fire and Emergency Services Department.

With 30 years in the fire service, McElfish has served as chief in three fire departments and was the training coordinator in Montgomery County, Pa. An adjunct instructor at the National Fire Academy, he has also been active in national, state and local fire service organizations. He's the president of the Southeastern Division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and chairs the iafc's Professional Development Committee.

The isfsi also recognized Marsha Fisher of Plainwell-Gunplain Township, Mich., as first runner-up, and James Turner III of the Delaware State Fire School as second runner-up.

The award, sponsored by Morning Pride Manufacturing, Dayton, Ohio, provides formal acknowledgment of achievement in the areas of training program and material development; outstanding performance as an instructor, speaker or trainer; and personal contributions to the enhancement of the professional image of the fire service instructor.