PSAPs' Finest Honor Roll - Marcia Broman

Marcia Broman, Metropolitan Emergency Services Board

Marcia BromanIn addition to bestowing awards to individuals based on different 911 center roles, each year NICE honors someone in 911 with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Last year’s honoree was Marcia Broman, 911 Data Coordinator for the Metropolitan Emergency Services Board in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 

Marcia has committed her entire career to 911 location information services. After graduating college, Marcia went to work for Northwestern Bell from 1979 to1983 where she served as a Translations Supervisor, Data Base Supervisor, and Operations Support Manager. 

From there Marcia went to work for US West Enterprises as a Data and Processing Services Manager, MIS Director, and Director of 911 Services until 1991. She also worked for a decade on Minnesota’s Master Street Address Guide which brought Minnesota into the Enhanced-911 era.

In her most recent role at the Metropolitan Emergency Services Board, Marcia is the lead for everything related to PSAP 911 location data. She has also put in many years of work enhancing county and municipal GIS data in preparation for NG911. Marcia Broman is truly a priceless asset who deserves to be recognized for her commitment to 911. 

Recently I had an opportunity to talk to Marcia about what she loves most about her work and what being recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award has meant to her.

What attracted you to a career in public safety communications? 
Marcia: Doing my part to help people in their time of need is what attracted me to 911 emergency communications. The clear sense of purpose that this field offers makes daily work so much more satisfying. It has been a privilege and a ‘labor of love’ to serve others throughout my entire career. 

What is your most memorable career experience?
Marcia: My first role in 911 was as database manager for the E911 implementation in the Twin Cities area in 1982. It was the third E911 implementation in the country at the time and the first multi-county system. This experience changed the course of the rest of my career and will always hold a special spot in my heart.

What do you most love about what you do?
Marcia: I love the collaboration. I have been blessed to work alongside many awesome people. Everyone in this industry shares the same vision and is dedicated to the mission of serving others and improving public safety. 

What advice would you have for others thinking about a similar career path?
Marcia: Jump in. Ask as many questions as you can. Always be open to new ideas and ways of changing. 

What does it mean to be recognized with a PSAP’s Finest Award?
Marcia: I am very humbled and grateful for the honor of receiving this award. What a blessing to be recognized for my life’s work! I know I am just one of many deserving peers who answer daily 911 calls, manage PSAPs, or support emergency communication systems behind the scenes. On behalf of all of us, huge thanks go out to NICE for making it a priority to appreciate those who provide quality 911 service to their communities. 

About the PSAPs’ Finest Awards 
The PSAPs’ Finest awards is an annual recognition program for emergency communications (ECC) professionals. Since their inception, NICE’s PSAPs’ Finest Awards have recognized hundreds of dedicated emergency communications professionals. The program is open to all PSAPs, whether or not they are customers of NICE. An independent judging panel reviews and rates each nomination based on the individual’s or team’s contributions to their agencies and communities. Winners are recognized in nine categories:
  • Director
  • Line Supervisor
  • Technician
  • Trainer
  • Telecommunicator
  • Innovator
  • PSAP of the Year
  • Above & Beyond
  • Lifetime Achievement

To learn more, simply visit the PSAPs' Finest website.

Questions regarding the PSAPs' Finest Awards can be directed to PSInfo@NICE.com.