Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Second Vice President Candidates
Joshua Benfield
My name is Josh Benfield and I am running for Second Vice President for NC APCO. I have been in public safety since I was 18 when I joined my local fire department and my love for serving the community grew from there. My career in 911 began in 2004 as a front line telecommunicator, and have served as Assistant Lead, Database Coordinator and Operations Manager between Caswell and Rockingham Counties.
I am running for this position because I believe in the future of 9-1-1. Working with our community and industry partners, we can advance our profession far beyond what we could ever imagine. Starting with taking care of our 9-1-1 professionals across the state to combat the mental health stigma that has been ever present in our profession. Working with our NENA partners we will continue to promote healthy habits and provide physical and mental help when and where it is needed. Realizing that our profession encompasses all aspects of Emergency Communication is key in the continued work being done across the nation to ensure that we finally receive the designation of First Responders. Increasing our membership and engagement at the College, University, Airport and Hospital centers will allow us to grow our voices even louder in the reclassification efforts. The future of our profession is bright, and North Carolina continues to lead the way in innovation by way of technology and by those who wear the headset day in and day out.
I have been married to my wonderful wife Lindsay for 22 years and we have made our home in Pelham, NC with our 2 boys, Parker and Brody. I am excited to be nominated for Second Vice President and if elected, I look forward to serving NC APCO with pride, dedication and commitment.
Jacob Butcher
I began in public safety early when I joined a local LE Explorer group. This experience led to my first role in emergency telecommunications for the Alaska State Troopers in 2006. By 2010, I obtained my CTO certification, and was promoted shortly thereafter to supervisor in 2014.
By 2017, I seized the opportunity to help guide our center through a regional consolidation in which the comm center transformed from a secondary LE PSAP to a primary, multi-disciplinary 9-1-1 center. This regional consolidation was one of the most impactful events on my education and knowledge in CAD administration, radio consoles, paging technologies, 9-1-1 networks, and ultimately contributed to my progression towards my current role.
In 2019, I was offered my first role in management. I immediately prioritized professional development, continuing pursuit of technology, standards, and recognition for the profession, and most importantly, employee support. In the years following I was able to successfully obtain my Emergency Number Professional certification through NENA as well as my Registered Public Safety Leadership title through APCO. Since this time, I’ve been honored to serve as both Chair and Co-Chair for various municipal and
State 9-1-1 Advisory Boards and serve for the Alaska Governor’s office on 9-1-1 and Dispatch Consolidation Boards. This includes efforts to introduce and successfully pass legislation that supports the work 9-1-1 telecommunicators do every day.
During my nearly 20 years of service in the emergency communications sector, the one thing that has remained constant is my drive and dedication to pursuit of higher standards, higher professional development, and the essential recognition and respect that this career deserves. I now ask for your support of my ambition for public service, and to provide an opportunity for me to prove my passion for this career through my actions over the coming years.
Chapter Secretary
Christine Moore
I began my career in Public Safety 25 years ago with the High Point Police Department. I had the privilege of working with their Records Division and in their Patrol Division as a Police Officer. In 2002, I transitioned to the Communications world by joining Guilford County Communications, which ultimately became Guilford Metro 9-1-1. As a result of that transition, I found my true calling: 9-1-1. I have thoroughly enjoyed my journey with Guilford Metro 9-1-1 thus far, and am proud to serve as the Deputy Director.
Over the years, it has been my privilege and honor to serve the NC Chapter of APCO’s membership and 9-1-1 professionals across this great state, having served a four year presidential term and currently serving as the Compassionate Care Coordinator. I believe with my organizational skills and attention to detail that I can successfully and professionally fulfill the obligations of the Chapter Secretary position.
I respectfully and humbly ask for your vote to elect me as the Chapter Secretary for the NC Chapter of APCO. It will be my distinct honor and privilege to continue to serve the organization and all of our North Carolina 9-1-1 professionals.
Regional Ambassador - Region B
Morriss Ahl-Moyer
Morrissa Ahl-Moyer is the current Region B Ambassador. She started her career over 20 years ago as an EMT, became a 911 Dispatcher, and then worked for NCSHP Communications from 2010 – July 2022. She is the current Director for the NC Center for Missing Persons, is active in the Troop C Communication Center part time, and is involved in teaching, training, supporting, and advocating for telecommunicators in North Carolina and other states.
During her previous terms as Region B Ambassador, she identified several smaller communication centers that had previously not been included in the email list of agencies that were sent out APCO updates, and she has seen an overall increase in agency participation in meetings, training and conferences.
Morrissa also participates in peer support, assists with CISM efforts with her agency, and has always been an open door for her peers if they should ever just need someone to lend an ear. She has always sought to encourage others and celebrated their successes. Embracing the philosophy of a "seat for everyone"; she advocates for collaboration among public safety dispatchers from various disciplines and agencies to foster mutual learning and growth.
Regional Ambassadors - Region D
Dawn Anderson
Ms. Anderson serves as a Telecommunicator for the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s Police & Public Safety Department. Ms. Anderson has had a wealth of experience as it relates to her employment and various positions she has held. She was employed as a NC Mentor Network for 4 years in the mental health field. Ms. Anderson was then employed by the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office for just under 9 years. While there she learned the importance of leadership and taking initiative. She was tasked with organizing platoon functions, the Salvation Army Christmas Tree Angel, High Point Toy Drive, and the Greensboro Coat Drive. While participating in these programs she gained a passion for community service efforts and public interest work. Also, she was awarded the Telecommunicator of the Year Award in 2021 & 2024.
Ms. Anderson believes that it is important to attain success and significance in all aspects of one’s life. She believes in a person's goal to accomplish something every day, measure their effectiveness, and seek to improve themselves. It is has been said by past employers that Ms. Anderson “develops rapport and builds harmony for her co-workers. She is loyal, honest, and dependable. She is an individual that you can ALWAYS count on”.
Ms. Anderson has learned several things throughout her career, as well as, her personal life in general:
● A leader must also be willing to learn themselves.
● In Leadership there is no I in TEAM.
● While working in this industry she was introduced to the acronym, T.H.I.N.K. Asking oneself the following inquiries:
○ Is it true?
○ Is it helpful?
○ Is it inspiring?
○ Is it necessary?
○ Is it kind?
Ms. Anderson has served in various capacities in her community. Her positions are as follows:
● Young People Division of the AME Church- President, Vice President ,Secretary, Treasurer , Manhattan North Area President ,Director of the Youth Department while in High Point, NC
● Women's Missionary Society - Secretary
● Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated - Vice President ,Treasurer, Undergraduate Advisor
● Order of Eastern Star - Secretary
● APCO - Awards Committee & Currently Awards Committee & Membership & Chapter Committee
● APCO NC Chapter Communications Outreach & Engagement Coordinator
Ms. Anderson has dedicated her life to public service whether while employed or while servicing her local community. She is a born leader, has the drive, and exhibits true compassion.
Kyle Thaggard
Kyle Thaggard is the Assistant Director of the City of High Point’s 911 Emergency Communications Center, bringing over 24 years of public safety experience. Since joining the city in 2006, he has played a crucial role in advancing emergency communications.
In July 2022, Kyle was appointed Telecommunications Manager, leading a staffing transformation to align the division with comparable organizations. Previously, as the Telecommunications Training Supervisor, he managed employee onboarding, ensured compliance with APCO’s Project 33 training standards, and led communications training officers. He also served as the project manager for constructing High Point’s new emergency communications center.
Kyle has held multiple roles, including Manager, Training Supervisor, Supervisor, Assistant Supervisor, Communications Training Officer, Peer Counselor, and Telecommunicator, providing a well-rounded perspective in emergency communications leadership.
Beyond his role in High Point, Kyle serves on the North Carolina 911 Board’s Standards Committee and Existing Rules Subcommittee, as well as the North Carolina Justice Academy’s Telecommunicator Certification Course Advisory Group, contributing to statewide policies and training standards.
Kyle is committed to professional development. He completed the PSAP Manager’s Training Program through Richmond Community College in November 2022 and earned the Center Manager Certification Program (CMCP) credential through NENA in March 2023.
Previously, Kyle served as a Military Police Officer in the U.S. Army, holding roles such as Assistant Shift Supervisor and Field Training Officer. He was selected for the personal security detail of the U.S. Army’s Commanding General of the Pacific and earned multiple military honors.
Kyle holds a Bachelor’s in Management with a concentration in Leadership, summa cum laude, and an Associate’s in General Studies from American Military University. He is a member of APCO International, the National Emergency Number Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement.
Regional Ambassadors - Region F
Max Ryan Dula
My name is Max Ryan Dula, I go by Ryan though. I am 35 years old, and I live in Caldwell County, NC. I am married to my wonderful wife Brooke, and we have 3 children, Carter, Bailey and Ronan. My family and I enjoy spending time together, spending time with friends, and going to sporting events for the kids. We spend A LOT of time at sporting events, especially baseball.
I work full-time for Caldwell County E911 Center and have for the last 12 years. I currently hold the title of shift supervisor, and I have been in this position since 2018. I spend a lot of time not only working a console but learning and training to better myself. I am part of the INTD team for the State of North Carolina, a CTO for our communications center, an instructor and most importantly to me I try to be someone others can lean on in times of crisis. I enjoy making new work connections throughout the State of North Carolina. I also work part time for Apalachin State University on a very limited basis as a telecommunicator. I also teach the communications portion of their BLET program.
I do work on the other side of the radio as well. I work part time for Sawmills Fire-Rescue and Little River Fire Department. I think working in the fire service has helped me in my abilities to dispatch fire-service related calls.