The Commverse Story

While working with a class recently, Lori Preuss said, "Any agency is only as strong as the personnel working at 0330 hours." Sadly, the students noted that while the boss may be familiar with the newest technologies or advanced interpersonal techniques, they were not. Lori recalled working in communications for many years not knowing there were industry magazines. When she learned they existed, she also discovered that they were ensconced in the supervisor's office and never filtered down to the personnel who were on the floor doing the job. 

Then she saw a social post where a communicator asked for someone to explain NG911 to her as if she were 3 years old. Again, Lori reflected on the lack of information flow to the line personnel in some organizations. As our profession embraces explosive innovation and technological advancements, it is more crucial than ever that those who will be required to operate with emerging technology and enhanced call-taking techniques understand it and its impact on operations. 

Over the past several years, Lori had also noticed that the various types of communications centers were often unaware of each other's operations, despite the need to collaborate during large-scale incidents. Whether the critical control room monitors highways, provides medical transport, ensures safety at a nuclear power plant, handles hazardous materials incidents at a chemical manufacturing facility, or provides fire protection at an oil refinery, all the various critical control rooms must interact with the emergency communications centers. Through sharing and working together, we are all stronger.

Lori decided to address this dilemma by creating The Commverse and distributing it to all communications personnel for free online. The information cannot get stuck in an office. The focus of every article will be on the line personnel. Founded in 2025, The Commverse will eliminate barriers to critical information, providing line personnel with the information they need to succeed in their mission.   

Lori Preuss, CPE, became involved in public safety in 1986 and started in Telecommunications in 1987. Lori has held a wide variety of positions in public safety communications. Lori served as the FL Chapter President of APCO in 2008. Lori has served on several committees in Florida and APCO International. 

A dedicated lifelong learner, Lori holds a degree in Adult Vocational Education and Industry Training, with a specialization in Public Safety Telecommunications. Lori is a Certified Public Safety Executive (CPE) and has served as an Adjunct Instructor with the APCO Institute since 1999, an instructor with Crisis Intervention Teams, International, and is an experienced international speaker and presenter. She is the co-author with Captain Wren Thomas of "Pirate Hostage: Faith & a Dog Named Beaux Saved My Life."

Lori is Director of Communications and Project Management with Emerging Digital Concepts. She is also the owner of Merrion Josephine, LLC, and Editor in Chief of The Commverse. She is most happy when she is at home with her family, including her dog, reading or writing.