Welcome to our monthly update, where we highlight the latest developments, initiatives and exciting changes from ECN. This update is designed to keep you informed and engaged with what's happening within our team.

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Language access at PSAPs: 2025 snapshot

Clear communication is the foundation of effective emergency response, and LanguageLine remains a vital resource for the state’s public safety answering points. As the first point of contact for people in crisis, telecommunicators rely on rapid, accurate interpretation to ensure callers receive the help they need, regardless of the language they speak.

In 2025, PSAPs statewide connected 35,171 calls to LanguageLine, totaling 252,314 minutes of interpretation across 59 languages. Call takers reached an interpreter in an average of 10.97 seconds, supporting fast, seamless service during high-stress situations.

Did you know?
LanguageLine offers a 24/7 Voice of the Customer issue-resolution ticketing system. During calendar year 2025, Minnesota PSAPs reported only two issues among the 35,171 calls connected.

Top interpreted languages in 2025

Language                                      Calls  

Spanish                                           29,286

Somali                                             3,067

Karen                                               609

Hmong                                             501      

Arabic                                              240

All other languages                         1,468

These numbers reflect the linguistic diversity of the communities PSAPs serve and the critical role telecommunicators play in ensuring equitable access to emergency services. LanguageLine remains an essential tool in helping call takers gather accurate information, provide lifesaving instructions and coordinate timely responses for every caller.

ECN is proud to support Minnesota’s PSAPs with a dedicated 1-888 telephone number for 911 emergency calls, connecting non-English-speaking and limited-English-proficient callers and public safety telecommunicators with an interpreter. The 1-888 number is funded through the statewide 911 fee, and its use is subject to FCC and statutory 911 fee eligibility requirements.

Takeaways from NENA 2026 Three ECN staff recently attended the NENA 2026 conference in New Orleans to learn about updates in NG911. Sessions focused on the role of GIS, making sure systems are reliable, and how agencies move from planning to real-world use. Speakers also emphasized that technology alone isn’t enough. Working together, following consistent standards, and supporting staff are key to keeping systems running smoothly. ECN will use what we learned to keep strengthening Minnesota’s GIS and NG911 efforts.

“It’s Your Calling” job board Reminder: ECN is collecting PSAPs job postings for the "It's Your Calling" webpage. Share your openings to connect Minnesotans with meaningful career opportunities statewide.

Have a training opportunity?

Know of a training that could benefit PSAP employees or ARMER users? We’d love to hear about it and add it to our ECN training calendar — please send the information to the ECN inbox.

Keep your PSAP contact information current Accurate contact information is essential for effective coordination between PSAPs and our division. When staffing changes occur — such as a new supervisor, updated administrative contact or changes to your 24/7 operations line — please be sure to share those updates with our team. Up-to-date information helps ensure we can quickly reach the right people for notifications, system updates, training opportunities and time-sensitive operational communications. Even small updates make a big difference in keeping statewide emergency communications running smoothly. If your PSAP has had any recent personnel or contact changes, please send the updated information to ECN@state.mn.us. Your partnership helps keep our statewide network strong and responsive.

Get to know your ECN staff Shayna Fonnest Executive Administrative Assistant Shayna has been with ECN since 2023 as the executive assistant, supporting the SECB, its committees and the GIS work group. She also serves as ECN’s event coordinator and primary timekeeper, managing a wide range of administrative responsibilities. Before joining ECN, Shayna worked as an account manager at a local embroidery shop and as an advocate at a domestic violence shelter for women. A Minnesota native, she has also lived in Alaska and Hawaii and co-owns a taekwondo academy in North Branch with her husband. They were married on a boat in Antigua in May 2025 and enjoy traveling, staying active and riding ATVs and dirt bikes.