09/10/2026
Congratulations to Jaclyn Tate, our Assistant Platoon LeaderโPolice, on serving as 1st Vice President of the Mid-Eastern APCO Chapter!
Weโre excited to see Jaclyn represent NCCDE911 while supporting the public safety communications profession throughout our region. Congratulations, Jaclyn!
Time to meet 1st VP Jaclyn Tate!
1. How did you get your start in public safety communications?
In 2001, while attending college, I completed a ride-along with a friend at Delaware State Police Emergency Communications. By the end of the ride-along, I knew it was the career I wanted to pursue. I was hired five months later and joined New Castle County Emergency Communications in 2004 to pursue additional opportunities for advancement.
2. What has kept you involved in public safety communications throughout your career?
After having a difficult training experience as a new dispatcher, I became a CTO as soon as I was eligible. I remained one for 20 years because I wanted others to have a more positive and supportive experience. Before being promoted, I trained an outstanding dispatcher to continue that workโand she became Delawareโs 2026 Telecommunicator of the Year.
Receiving the APCO International and Mid-Eastern APCO Telecommunicator of the Year awards in 2023 inspired a new passion for recognizing others. I now chair our countyโs biennial awards program and serve on APCO Internationalโs Awards Committee.
Today, I focus on leading and developing my team. Through APCO scholarships, I have helped team members earn RPL, Communications Supervisor, CTO Instructor, Tactical Dispatch, and other credentials. Continuing education and succession planning are especially important when agency funding is limited.
3. Why did you become involved with Mid-Eastern APCO, and what does being part of the chapter mean to you?
After receiving APCO awards and scholarships, I wanted to give back. I began volunteering on committees and task forces, but attending Mid-Eastern APCO conferences inspired me to do moreโparticularly to increase Delawareโs involvement. I submitted my name for office and was honored to be elected Chapter Secretary. It has been a privilege to help create positive changes for our organization, board, and membership.
4. What is one thing you wish more people understood about 9-1-1 and public safety communications?
I wish more people understood why 9-1-1 telecommunicators follow protocols and ask specific questions. Callers sometimes believe the questions are delaying assistance when they are actually helping us gather critical information. Agencies can do more to explain the process through social media, community presentations, and other public education efforts.
5. How do you encourage someone to become involved beyond their agencyโs four walls?
I continuously share information about training, conferences, committees, scholarships, and leadership opportunities. I also use team discussions and events such as our Delaware winter meeting to introduce people to the chapter and encourage participation. Whether someone joins a committee, nominates a colleague for an award, or runs for office, I will continue finding ways to build awareness and inspire involvement in our chapter and profession.
Come meet Jaclyn and all of our team at the Fall Training Symposium October 14-16 in Ocean City!
