Leadership within the DeSoto Parish Sheriff 911 Communications District is being recognized at the state level following a major honor awarded during a statewide public safety communications conference in Bossier City.

Deputy Chief Phillip Daniels recently attended the week-long 2026 APCO/NENA Symposium held at LIVE! Casino in Bossier City, where more than 400 public safety professionals from across Louisiana gathered for training, collaboration, and professional networking focused on emergency communications and 9-1-1 services.

On April 27, Deputy Chief Daniels was presented with the President’s Award, an honor selected and awarded by Louisiana APCO Chapter President LaQuita Collins. The award recognizes his continued dedication to advancing public safety communications and his commitment to strengthening the 9-1-1 system across the region.

Officials noted that the recognition highlights Daniels’ leadership role in improving emergency response communications and supporting the broader 9-1-1 professional community.

In addition to receiving the award, Deputy Chief Daniels also participated in the symposium by presenting Certificates of Appreciation to various public safety leaders. Those individuals were recognized for their contributions to national advocacy efforts supporting emergency communications improvements.

The symposium, hosted by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) and the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), serves as a key annual event for professionals in the field. Both organizations play a central role in providing training, leadership development, and advancing 9-1-1 services nationwide.

Sheriff Jayson Richardson praised Daniels’ achievement, emphasizing the broader impact of his work:
“Phillip’s leadership and commitment to public safety communications continue to make a positive impact not only here in DeSoto Parish, but across our state. We are proud to see his work recognized at this level and appreciate the important role APCO and NENA play in strengthening emergency services statewide.”

Officials with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office highlighted the importance of events like the APCO/NENA Symposium, noting that they provide essential opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continued improvement of emergency response systems that serve communities throughout Louisiana.

Deputy Chief Daniels’ recognition underscores ongoing efforts within DeSoto Parish to support innovation and excellence in public safety communications.