About Us



Emergency Services of Public Information Officers of Colorado (ESPIOC) was formed in 1986 to enhance relations between the news media and public safety agencies. The association membership includes representatives from fire departments, law enforcement, emergency medical services and search and rescue units; as well as district attorneys, disaster relief, state and federal agencies.

The ESPIOC mission is threefold:
  • To encourage a high order of business and professionalism through training and education programs.
  • To exchange experiences through meetings, discussion and study.
  • To promote and protect the interests of the profession of public information officers.

To that end, ESPIOC develops and offers programs to assist public information officers (PIO). Training classes improve PIO's continuing professional dialogue with the press. A social gathering with members of the working news media is held annually, at which PIO's can enhance their relationships with the press. The association meets monthly at various members' agencies, and business meetings and monthly training meetings are open to all.

ESPIOC actively:

  • Develops training programs for public safety agencies, at both the "street" level and the PIO level.
  • Publishes a training manual and resource packet for agencies to use to establish PIO programs and policies.
  • Holds regular meetings and programs with news media outlets, and organizations such as the Colorado Press Association and the Colorado Broadcasters' Association, to promote an atmosphere of cooperation, mutual respect and understanding.
ESPIOC is governed by a Board of Directors, comprised of a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and three board members at large. Terms of office are one year. All members of ESPIOC are bound by a code of ethics as a professional public information officer.

Join ESPIOC today by completing our application for membership. If you should have any other questions please feel free to e-mail us or contact ESPIOC at the below mailing address.