Just a few weeks ago, we wrapped up our third annual in-person Be The Difference Conference, and the feeling of gratitude we have is overwhelming. Seeing 500 dedicated professionals from 45 states, of which nearly 80% were first-time attendees, come together in one space to share knowledge, grow, and continue spreading Denise’s legacy is incredibly humbling. This year, we were incredibly honored to host Jim and Nicole Schmidt from the Gabby Petito Foundation, who shared Gabby’s story and emphasized the critical importance of domestic violence awareness, and we are excited to announce that the Foundation will be partnering with them on projects in the very near future. Additionally, The Healthy Dispatcher’s Kris Inman delivered a powerful closing keynote on The Ripple Effect, reminding us how even the smallest actions can have great consequences and reinforcing the ongoing importance of culture and support in 9-1-1.

As we reflect on this year’s incredible gathering, we’re already looking ahead with excitement. Mark your calendars: our next conference will take place in Knoxville, Tennessee, from January 25-28, 2026. We can’t wait to see everyone again, and we promise to bring even more educational opportunities, powerful speakers, and meaningful connections to further our shared mission.

But the work of the Denise Amber Lee Foundation extends far beyond our annual conference. We are dedicated to growing our impact, advocating for change, and supporting the heroes behind the headset—our 9-1-1 dispatchers—every single day.

Strengthening Our Advocacy: The Push for First Responder Status

As NENA (the National Emergency Number Association) prepares to host its annual 9-1-1 Goes to Washington event next week, the conversation about formally recognizing 9-1-1 dispatchers as “First Responders” is more critical than ever. Dispatchers are the true first point of contact in any emergency, gathering vital information, providing lifesaving instructions, and ensuring that field responders have what they need to do their jobs effectively. All that being said, they remain classified as clerical workers under outdated federal job classifications.

This must change.

The Denise Amber Lee Foundation stands firmly in support of reclassifying 9-1-1 professionals as first responders, aligning them with their field counterparts in police, fire, and EMS. The work dispatchers do is every bit as vital to emergency response as those on the front lines. They are the unseen force behind every successful call for help, and they deserve the recognition, training, and resources that come with first responder status.

Expanding Our Support for 9-1-1 Professionals

Beyond advocacy, we remain committed to providing top-tier training, resources, and emotional support for 9-1-1 professionals. The stress and demands of this job are immense, and ensuring that dispatchers have access to continued education and wellness programs is at the core of our mission.

• In the coming months, we will expand our offerings in:

  • Training and Development: We are introducing several brand new classes, including Frontline Supervisor Essentials, Essential Customer Service Techniques, and enhanced CTO training. Additionally, several of our existing classes have been updated to ensure they remain relevant and impactful. Our flagship class, A Victim’s Plea, has evolved into A Victim’s Plea: A 9-1-1 Call for Excellence, featuring a new presentation, updated calls, and a stronger focus on consistent excellence in 9-1-1. Another revamped course, formerly Hope in the Midst of Chaos, is now Lessons Learned from an Active Shooter. This updated class broadens the active shooter discussion, incorporating recent events, more scenario-based exercises, while still giving a detailed account of what the Las Vegas Shooting was like from a 9-1-1 perspective.
  • Quality Assurance Services: We are enhancing our Quality Assurance Services through our partnership with Frontline Public Safety Solutions. This collaboration allows us to offer comprehensive data and analytics around QA, helping centers identify strengths and areas for improvement. Additionally, we can now provide personalized training recommendations based on QA findings, ensuring dispatchers receive targeted support to enhance their performance.
  • Peer Support and Mental Health Initiatives: The Foundation continues to provide resources to help dispatchers manage stress, trauma, and the emotional toll of the job. With that, we are proud to introduce a brand-new class, Finding Your AHA Moment: Developing Your Health and Wellness Toolkit. This course offers a holistic, actionable approach to help dispatchers reconnect with what their minds and bodies need to thrive in 9-1-1.
  • Legislative Advocacy: The Foundation will continue to support efforts to get 9-1-1 centers and their staff the much-needed tools necessary to succeed. In 2026, we are proud to announce that the Foundation will be participating in its first 9-1-1 Goes to Washington, ensuring that the voices of dispatchers are heard at the national level and that they receive the recognition and support they deserve.

Join Us in This Movement

The next generation of the Denise Amber Lee Foundation is not just about carrying forward Denise’s legacy—it’s about growing it. It’s about making sure no 9-1-1 professional feels unsupported, unheard, or undervalued. It’s about pushing for meaningful change, fostering a stronger community, and continuing to fight for the recognition these heroes deserve.

We invite you to be part of this journey. Whether through attending our next conference, attending a training class, supporting legislative efforts, or simply sharing the message, your voice and participation matter. Together we can Be The Difference, and together we can continue to make a lasting impact on the world of emergency communications.

This is just the beginning. Stay tuned for more updates, insights, and discussions in our upcoming blog posts—new editions will be released every month. Let’s keep the conversation going and the momentum strong!