Public Announcements

Dutch Sworn In as President for North Carolina APCO

WILMINGTON, NC – The North Carolina Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) is proud to announce that Samantha Dutch, RPL, CPE has officially been sworn in as President of North Carolina APCO. The ceremony took place May 6, 2026 during the North Carolina Public Safety Communications Conference held in Wilmington, North Carolina.

As President, Dutch will lead the state chapter and help guide the organization’s strategic direction, professional development initiatives, advocacy efforts, and member engagement activities. North Carolina APCO represents more than 1,900 public safety communications professionals across the state and serves as a leading voice for the advancement of emergency communications.

Dutch currently serves as the Director for Scotland County Emergency Communications in Laurinburg, North Carolina. She has worked in public safety communications for more than 18 years and has been actively involved with APCO at both the state and national levels. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership development, training, legislative initiatives, and the continued advancement of the 9-1-1 profession.

“It is an incredible honor to serve as President of North Carolina APCO,” said Dutch. “Public safety telecommunicators are the vital lifeline between the public and emergency responders, and they deserve strong leadership, professional support, and continued investment in their future. I am excited to work alongside our Executive Board, committee members, and partners across the state as we continue building a stronger and more connected communications community.”

Dutch has previously served the chapter in multiple leadership roles, including Regional Ambassador, 1st and 2nd Vice President and committee leadership positions. She has also contributed to numerous statewide initiatives focused on education, professional standards, conference development, and member engagement. Her presidency comes at a milestone moment for the chapter as North Carolina APCO celebrates 65 years of service to the public safety communications profession.

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About North Carolina APCO (www.ncapco.org)

The North Carolina Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) is the state’s largest professional organization for public safety communications personnel. With over 1,900 members, the chapter provides leadership, professional development, and advocacy for those who facilitate emergency response services across North Carolina.