In 2007 Gavin Hayes became involved in both Public Safety Communications and APCO Canada. Since that time, he has served on APCO Canada’s Board of Directors, was elected to the position of President on two separate occasions and has been the National Events Coordinator for the past ten years. During his time as both Vice-President and President, Gavin was appointed as the Chair of the APCO Global Alliance for two terms. While occupying this position he was involved in several international initiatives within the United Arab Emirates.

In 2011 Gavin retired from a rewarding 31 year policing career as a Staff Sergeant with the Halton Regional Police Service. During his time with the Service, Gavin had the opportunity to manage its Regional PSAP. It was then he fully realized and grasped the efforts and professionalism of the people “in the seats” who truly are the, “First, First Responders.”

Since retiring, Gavin has taken on several full-time positions and is currently a Professional Conduct Investigator at the College of Nurses of Ontario.

Although retired from public safety and law enforcement, Gavin has maintained his connection to the public safety communications community and maintains deep connections with other affiliated associations such as British APCO, APCO International, and NENA.

Gavin has and continues to work tirelessly in an effort to recognize and de-stigmatize mental health issues within all Emergency Services, but more importantly, Public Safety Communication Centers. Towards this goal, Gavin has spoken both nationally and internationally on mental health issues including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the effects it has had and may have in the future for staff working in the public safety communications industry.

His current presentation entitled, “The Uninvited Guest”, speaks to his own personal struggles with trauma, mental health, post-traumatic stress, disillusionment in post-retirement, and his continued journey in dealing with his “file drawers”.