Frequently Asked Questions

Who is First Contact 9-1-1, LLC?

First Contact 9-1-1 was started by a group of 9-1-1 dispatchers, to serve 9-1-1 dispatchers.   We thought,'who better to train dispatchers..than dispatchers!'   We know that where training is concerned, you'll want the best.   And we have them!   People who actually 'work the Board'...just like you do.  These dispatchers take time off from their already busy 9-1-1 work schedules to come and teach your team.  They have the passion to teach, and it shows in our classes!   No glitz, no trinkets,  just excellent 9-1-1 training for the topics you need, with the results you expect.

How do I register for a class?

It's easy!  All of our current classes are listed on our Schedule page. If you see a class coming up in your area, just register on line! We'll send you a Class Confirmation Letter and a map showing the easiest way to reach our teaching location. 

Can I host a class with First Contact 9-1-1?

You bet!  Just call our Customer Care Line toll-free at (866) 613 -1911 and let us know that you'd like a Host Pack.  You may also download a Host Pack here!  The Host Pack is our way of getting to know a little bit about your agency, what classes you'd like to host, and when on your calendar you'd like the classes to take place. We can either fax or email a Host Pack to you.  Once we receive your Host Pack, we'll contact you personally to answer any other questions you may have and firm up any other details.

How much does First Contact 9-1-1 charge for a class?

One day classes are generally $125.00 per student.

Two day classes, like "Incident Dispatcher" and "Tactical Dispatcher", are generally $220.00 per student.

Who takes the class registrations?

Some host agencies prefer to take their own registrations.  We can also take registrations; we'll periodically keep you informed of the class attendance totals as we go along.

What is the class minimum?

We generally are looking for a class size of about 25 students per day.  We'll do less, but that minimum helps keep our costs low.  Once all of your neighboring agencies know that a class is coming, filling a class usually isn't a problem!

How soon can I host a First Contact 9-1-1 class?

Generally, most agencies need around 60 days to get their people into a class.  They need a little time to prepare funding for the dispatcher to attend, and to facilitate changes in their work schedule.  We can generally provide a class sooner, but many agencies may not be able to attend quite that soon.  Usually, the more notice that an agency gets of an upcoming class, the better.

What will I need to host a First Contact 9-1-1 class?

We've tried to make hosting one of our classes as painless as possible for you.  All we ask is that you provide the following:

• A comfortable classroom (tables, chairs and a white board are appreciated)
• An LCD video projector (We use PowerPoint for our presentations)
• A VCR for our video presentations (some are VHS, others are DVD in format)
  
• Some refreshments for the class. Different hosts do different things. Coffee / tea in the morning, and soft drinks in the afternoon are common.  Some provide pastries and / or cookies...it's really up to you!
• We'll also ask you for a list of your sister 9-1-1 Centers in the area, so we may notify them of the class.  We will also provide you with a sample script describing the class that you can teletype to other area agencies, if your state allows such.
  

But, I don't have a Training Center in my Dispatch Center...

That's OK...We teach in a variety of locations.  There may be a suitable location near your Center in a fire station, police station, public works facility, school, or even in a local hotel.  If you can provide a comfortable location for learning, we can make it work!

Do I have to run off student handouts?

Unlike other training providers, we provide all of the handouts and training materials your students will need for the class.  Approximately two weeks before the class date, your agency will receive a box from First Contact 9-1-1 that will contain everything needed for the class.

Can I get a free seat in a class!

Sure! Once we make it to 25 students in a class, we'll comp you two free seats in that class.  This helps keep your overall training costs low, and is our way of saying 'Thank You!'  for hosting with us!

How do you bill for your classes?

As soon as we receive your completed Registration Form, we'll send you an invoice along with our Class Confirmation Letter.  You may pay directly from the invoice, or bring a check / Purchase Order to the class.  We also accept VISA and MasterCard credit cards.  If you pay by cash or credit card at the time of the class, we'll give you a receipt that you can take back to your department.

What is your Federal Employer ID Number?

Help!  I can't attend the class and I have to cancel!  What are my options?

We understand that situations come up at the last minute where you may have to cancel.   Please call our Customer Care Line at (866) 613-1911 and let us know as soon as you know.  You have the option of substituting another student; just let us know their name so we can process their paperwork accordingly.  If you cancel 5 or more days prior to the class start date, we'll refund your tuition less a 10% processing fee.  If you cancel less than 5 days before a class begins, we'll send you a credit toward another future First Contact 9-1-1 class.

Can you customize your training classes to my specific agency needs?

We're happy to tailor our class presentations to your particular audience.  If you'd like a class that is not on our list, please ask!  We'll assemble a curriculum to your specifications that will more than meet the needs of your team.

Will you speak at my Conference?

We attend many regional, state and national conferences.  We usually need 60-90 days notice so we can schedule a speaker for your group.  Contact our Customer Care Line at (866) 613-1911 for details.

Can you train me to become a 9-1-1 Dispatcher?

Our training usually involves students who currently work for a police, fire, or emergency medical services agency.  Initial dispatcher training varies from state to state; we usually recommend that you contact the police or fire department that you're interested in serving, and ask for the Communications Supervisor or Director.  Ask them what their requirements are to become a certified 9-1-1 telecommunicator for their agency.  We also encourage you to visit several dispatch centers to see what 9-1-1 dispatching really is like.  We call this a 'ride-a-long'...  Visit several different Centers, and see which ones appeal to you.

Most entry-level 9-1-1 dispatching classes are conducted at the Community College level; most agencies send their new employees to Dispatch Academy during their first year of employment.   Your local Dispatch Supervisor or Training Officer can give you further details for your area.

I'd like to be a First Contact 9-1-1 Instructor!

Thanks for asking!  We intentionally keep our team small to keep our quality standards high.  We recruit Instructional Services Team members who have that certain passion for teaching, and who also like to travel.   We generally bring on Team members who are recommended by our existing Instructional Services Team members.  We're a training family, and we're looking for those Instructors who have that exceptional spirit that sets them apart from the rest of the pack.

We know that the best Instructors make the best classes!  If you believe that you have what it takes to be part of our Instructional Services Team, please forward your resume to us at our Post Office Box address and we'll contact you!

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