Valley Communications Center hosts a Citizens Academy on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The one-day program will introduce the public to emergency communications, from the time a 911 call is received to the moment a police or fire dispatch is made.

Participants will also learn about the technology and tools involved in emergency communications, and what the future will bring with advancements such as texting to 911. They will be given the opportunity to sit in with a 911 call receiver and dispatcher at work.

“This Citizens Academy provides a unique look into the world of public safety communications,” said Executive Director Lora Ueland. “Participants come away with an understanding of the teamwork involved and of the professional people who answer their 911 call.”

Valley Com handles 911 calls for most of South King County. The agency is nationally accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

Interested parties are invited to complete an application on the agency website. Class size will be limited to 16 participants, who must agree to undergo a background check prior to being accepted into the academy.

The center is at 27519 108th Ave. SE, Kent.