For the past decade and a half, the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) has hosted a Fall event, supported by the IIT Realtime Communications Lab. As the Director of the lab, Professor Carol Davids has been working on the evolution of real-time communications throughout the industry. While a small niche conference, keynote sessions, and general presenters are top-shelf industry experts covering everything RTC related, Including a robust NG 911 track that always provides value. For the students attending IIT, they get a front-row seat to the innovators and the innovations in a critical network environment where the purpose is saving lives. Join me for an interview with Professor Carol Davids, this week's NG911FutureMaker.

As a career Fire/EMS dispatcher in Ohio and NYC, 911 PSAP Director at NENA, and now the Sales Director for NG911 CAD provider Hexagon Safety, Chris has had a front-row seat to cataclysmic events like Y2K, 9/11, the Northeast Blackout, and Hurricane Sandy. Not only does Chris understand the mission, he understands managing the mission and the people who can make the difference. He understands the value of mentorship from seasoned professionals but also values the mentorship that a rookie can provide as they bring additional talents in new modalities that were never possible in the past. Enjoy these wise words from this week’s NG911 FutureMaker™ and colleague I am proud to call a friend, Christopher Blake Carver, ENP.

AUDIO ONLY VERSION - Go to http:.//NG911FutureMakers.com for the VIDEO version. Next Generation 911 networks are made up of many different components. Most of these are new to the public safety professional. The depth and complexity of this whole architecture has advanced dramatically, and the learning curve can be a considerable effort. Understanding the new elements of the system can often prove to be a difficult task for any professional or agency. Complicating matters is the fact that the learning curve to achieve proficiency often extends far past the time it takes to implement the technology. To fill this gap, supporting staff is often brought in supplementing the gap on a permanent or semi-permanent basis. Mission Critical Partners CEO Darrin Reilly, provides some insight to his company’s role in this critical segment.

The birthplace of 911 is none other than Haleyville Alabama, and today - some 53 years later - the State enjoys its own NG911ESI net. This week's NG911 FutureMaker begin his career in 911 as a call-taker while pursuing his passion for public safety as a firefighter. He quickly realized he could save more lives in the 911 center than being out on the truck, and was bitten by the 911 bug. Dan Wright is Someone who understands the technology behind 911, and what's required to make it better and more usable, an Alabama NENA Past President, a Podcaster, and this week's NG911FutureMaker.

As many of our NG911FutureMakers™ have commented in past episodes, education and training in addition to personal and mental health are all key cornerstones of the successful emergency services telecommunicator. Just as important, of any good standards organization, is the training and educational arm that ensures that those key tenants are met and maintained in their industry. While this week's guest claims he started taking calls back in the 1800s taking emergency calls, we know that is simply his love for the industry speaking from the heart. He has earned the respect and trust of thousands, always willing to step up to the plate, always willing to "do the right thing", and always with the concerns and well being of others put in front of himself. I simply cannot think of many other 911 professionals that have given of themselves to this industry, and impacted the lives of civilians and dispatchers alike. That being the case, it is my great pleasure to bring you a true NG911FutureMaker™, and someone I am proud to call a close personal friend, Ty Wooten ENP, the Director of Education at NENA.

AUDIO PODCAST: Metro Nashville Emergency Communications Center Director Stephen Martini started out as a dispatcher in Chattanooga TN, where he spent several years on the desk honing his communications officer skills. He then moved to Hamilton County where he concentrated on training and QA for the staff there, earning his ENP. Martini then furthered his supervisory skills in Brentwood for several years before moving up to Director at Metro Nashville. We discussed the importance of maintaining interest and levels of excellence within the staff at the center, and how to move employees forward in their call handling expertise while embracing technology to get the job done better wherever possible. He understands the technology enough to know that system diversity is the best prevention of failure, and looks to build out NG911 services in the Country Music capital of the world, By providing expanded services to the citizens under his care. Steven martini is an excellent example of today's NG911 FutureMakers™.

Each year the Orleans Parish welcomes millions of visitors for various festivals, events, and overall good times. With any major metropolis with a massive population influx of visitors, 911 location is absolutely critical due to the unfamiliarity of citizens needing help, but having no idea where they actually are located. In an effort to quell that problem, Tyrell is implementing technology in his center focused on next generation 911 location enhancements as well as additional information that can be collected from hotels, businesses and the vast pool of IOT devices available today. Join me as I learn how this NG911 FutureMaker™ is preparing his agency and staff for the next generation of 911 services.

Next Generation 911 services will expose the call taker to a whole host of new information and awareness. This will not only allow them to do their job better, but add additional context to situations that is not possible today. To cope with this evolution, keeping employee mental health is critical as they continue to be at the core of the situation. Jamison Peevyhouse, Director of Customer Success at RapidSOS talks about their role in this important chain if care.

The 911 center in Washington DC Has the unique challenge of providing services to over 30 police agencies servicing the national capital region. Interfacing with the Metro Police Department as well as each agencies federal police department isn't an easy task. In addition, the centers 400 employees need a strong leader who can be responsive to their needs, especially in these challenging times. Join me as I talk with Karima Holmes, about her challenges and solutions, and what makes her an NG911 FutureMaker.

Industry plays an important role in introducing the technology to enable NG911 solutions, but they also carry the responsibility of enabling the individuals with support programs and mentoring as they build the future workforce that will be required to sustain the market. Michael Martin, CEO of RapidSOS has done just that moving from New Kid on the Block to Thought Leader in just several short years. Listen in as we talk about his journey becoming an NG911 FutureMaker™.