About MT NENA

About NENA

NENA The 9-1-1 Association is the only non-profit professional organization solely focused on 9-1-1 operations, technology, education, and policy issues. We represent tens of thousands of hard-working 9-1-1 first responders who assist individuals in crisis and play a vital role in almost every emergency.

Our members, the unsung heroes of public safety, are directly involved in improving all aspects of 9-1-1 and in keeping our communities strong, safe, and vibrant. Through our collective efforts, NENA ensures that 9-1-1 is prepared to meet the needs of anyone requesting emergency assistance by developing the standards that make the 9-1-1 system work, providing training and best practices for 9-1-1 professionals, and educating the public and policymakers about 9-1-1 and its proper use.

Our Vision is a public made safer by 9-1-1 services delivered by highly trained emergency-communications professionals and powered by the latest technologies.

Our Mission is to empower our members and the greater 9-1-1 community to provide the best possible emergency response through standards development, training, thought leadership, outreach, and advocacy.

MT NENA - Humble Roots

Montana, "The Last Best Place," certainly lives up to it's name. The state is known for being widespread and relatively uninhabited. Although this is a great sales point for those seeking out a life of simplicity and peace, it does little to facilitate collaboration and connectivity from one side of the Treasure State to the Other, especially in the world of emergency services.

Sapphira Olson, ENP, saw the importance of organizing members from across the Last Best Place and took the initiative to do so in 2019, just as the COVID pandemic was reaching the United States. The timing was perhaps both a blessing and a curse as isolation increased through the already remote areas, but the rise of virtual connectivity opened a door she likely didn't see available before.

Sapphira dug in her heels and got to work sharing the importance of organization, collaboration, support, and education. Her hard work paid off, and MT NENA was formed in March of 2020...remotely, of course.

Accomplishments

2020 - Held the first Center Manager Certification Program (CMCP) Course in Montana

2021 - Held the first NENA Certified Training Officer (CTO) Course in Montana

2021 - Worked with Montana APCO and State of Montana to coordinate a Training Workshop.

Leadership

NENA Membership is made up of Telecommunicators, Supervisors, Technologists, and GIS folks from all over.

Our Montana Chapter includes Dispatchers, GIS Specialists, Radio Technologists, Information Technologists, Vendors, and Administrators from one corner of the state to another.