Volume 6, Number 3 |March 2023

DECPR graduates 40th and 41st Basic Dispatch Academies


Thirteen new emergency communications officers graduated on Feb. 24 at the Police Academy. It was the largest graduating class in more seven years. It is the result of the work of many in DECPR and the city to increase staffing, which is continuing. Please help us congratulate the graduates! Ronetta Lewis-Ince also was honored at the graduation for her more than 16 years of service.


See more photos of graduation


Read news release on staffing efforts

Tornado Preparation and Response Guide

Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 6-10


It is important for everyone to know how to prepare for and respond in case of severe weather. A statewide tornado drill will be at 9:45 a.m. on March 7. More information will be shared on how you can participate.


Learn more from the National Weather Service


Learn more from Virginia Department of Emergency Management

Emergency Management Professionals Week in Virginia, March 19-25


Emergency Management Professionals Week in Virginia honors the service and commitment of emergency management professionals and recognizes their contributions to the lives, health, and safety of all who live, visit, and do business in the Commonwealth. We thank and celebrate the staff of the Office of Emergency Management, who help Richmond to prepare, mitigate, respond, and recover from disasters.


Learn more about OEM

National Telecommunicator Week 2023 celebrations, April 9-15

DECPR will celebrate NTW with themed dress days, food, games and prizes for ALL employees. Thanks to everyone who has participated in NTW fund-raisers throughout the past year to help make it possible!


Please see the schedule, and be prepared to participate!


See photos of past NTW celebrations

CALEA re-assessment ongoing


DECPR is undergoing the four-year renewal of its accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). A certified assessor, David Munday, met with staff and toured the facilities, Feb. 21-23, which also was the public comment period. DECPR achieved its initial accreditation in May 2019 and is one of only 2 percent of all emergency communications centers in the United States to achieve accreditation.

David Munday, center, tours the emergency communications center on Feb. 21 as part of the CALEA on-site visit.

Transitioning to new DECPR logo for all uses

DECPR is transitioning to the use of the new logo in all materials. Logos are in the DEC PR folder under "city branding 2022."

Let Karen know if you need help with the new logo usage. Other requirements are outlined in the "cheat sheet."


DECPR branding "cheat sheet"

QA Spotlight for January


CO of month icon.jpg

January ECO of the Month

Supervisor of the 4th Quarter 2022


Personnel Memo 23-3


DECPR in the news

February in review

Candy Grams delivered


The DECPR Pride committee sold 88 Candy Grams -- bags of candy with inspirational messages -- that were delivered for Valentine's Day. Proceeds from the sale will be used to support NTW 2023 activities. Thanks to everyone for their support!


See more photos

Community outreach kicks off for 2023 season


DECPR began the year's community outreach efforts by participating in the Richmond Police Department's renewed monthly community walks, civic association meetings and City Council Member Newbille's For the Love of Our Seniors event. Your help is needed. See the upcoming events, check with your supervisor and let Karen know if you can work. Thanks to all who participate!


Upcoming community outreach events


See more photos of community outreach



Rep your team


DECPR staff could dress in sports apparel, Feb. 5-12, in honor of the Super Bowl.


See more photos of DECPR fun

Hidden Talents

We want to celebrate all of our staff members and their hidden talents! What do you do when you are not at work?

Please email samples of your talent, including photos, if possible, to share with your coworkers here each month!

When you share, you win a newsletter prize, as well!


DECPR public Facebook

DECPR YouTube

DECPR Twitter

DECPR Instagram

OEM Facebook

OEM Twitter

What would you like to see in the monthly emailed newsletter? Let Karen know! Send your information for the April newsletter by March 17. Missed a past issue? See them all here!
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Richmond DEC | 804-646-5911 | www.rva.gov/911