Valley Communications Center is hosting a Citizens Academy from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 13. This one-day program is designed to introduce the public to the exciting world of emergency communications, from the time a 9-1-1 call is received to the moment a police or fire dispatch is made.

Participants will also learn about the technology and tools involved in emergency communications, and what the future will bring with advancements such as texting to 9-1-1. They will be given the opportunity to sit in with a 9-1-1 Call Receiver and Dispatcher to see what happens when you call 9-1-1.

Executive Director Lora Ueland stated, “This Citizens Academy provides a unique look into the world of public safety communications. Participants come away with an understanding of the teamwork involved and of the professional people who answer their 9-1-1 call.”

Valley Communications Center handles 9-1-1 calls for most of South King County. The agency is nationally accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

The program is delivered by staff who answer and dispatch 9-1-1 calls, and who are active in the nationally recognized Training Program at Valley Communications. They are experts in their field who will answer all questions and share their personal experiences.

Interested parties are invited to complete an application on the agency website. Class size will be limited to 16 participants, who must agree to undergo a background check prior to being accepted into the one day Academy.