About the VLS Series

May 2026 SESSION

In the intense and emotionally demanding world of emergency communications, support can come in many forms—sometimes with a wagging tail and a gentle nudge. In this inspiring and practical session, Amay Padilla-Cortes and her K9 partner Sophie, along with Ryan Chambers and his K9 partner Chase, share their personal journeys of healing and resilience, and how their support animals became a vital part of that process. Attendees will learn what it takes to introduce animals into the dispatch environment, including gaining leadership support, navigating policies and liability, and managing logistics like care, insurance, and accommodations for staff. The session also addresses common concerns such as allergies, fear of animals, and maintaining professional boundaries. More than a how-to, this session is a heartfelt exploration of the powerful bond between humans and animals, and how that connection can bring comfort, balance, and renewed strength to those who serve under pressure every day.

Key Outcomes

-Therapeutic Role of Support Animals

-Implementing K9 Programs in Dispatch

-Addressing Workplace Concerns and Boundaries

-Real-World Insights from K9 Partnerships

-Enhancing Wellness and Resilience in Communications Centers

2026 VIRTUAL LEARNING SESSIONS (VLS) – FULL SERIES

INTRODUCTION

The 2026 DALF Virtual Learning Sessions (VLS) deliver a full year of powerful, relevant, and practical education for 9-1-1 professionals. Each month features a 90–120 minute deep-dive session covering the most important and trending topics in emergency communications — including leadership, culture, crisis response, mental health, human trafficking, quality assurance, and more.
All registrants receive certificates of completion, and every webinar is available on-demand for flexible viewing.

PRICING

Full Series Access – $75

Includes all 12 monthly sessions, on-demand viewing, and certificates of completion.
Purchase the full series here:
👉 2026 VLS Series All-Access Pass

Individual Sessions – $15 each

Ideal for those seeking focused, topic-specific training without registering for the full year.

Facilitated By