Heart of Texas Council of Governments

Heart of Texas Council of Governments The Heart of Texas Council of Governments (HOTCOG) supports member organizations working to enhance

Register Now to Develop Your Communications Training SkillsOct. 26-28Telecommunications officers play important roles, m...
08/27/2026

Register Now to Develop Your Communications Training Skills

Oct. 26-28Telecommunications officers play important roles, monitoring radio systems and dispatches while handling both emergency and non-emergency calls pertinent to law enforcement, fire, and other emergency needs. Thus, strong training is required to ensure these critical job functions are performed smoothly.

HOTCOG is hosting a three-day course on October 26-2,8 worth 24 TCORE credits, targeting telecommunicators responsible for training new recruits. Registration is currently open, but this class is limited to 20. Click the link below to sign up; applicants in the HOTCOG region can do so for free.

Lana Gudgel will serve as instructor of the class, to be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1514 S. New Road, Waco, TX 7671. Email Lana Gudgel at [email protected] with any questions.

Note: A Basic Proficiency Certification is a required prerequisite for this course. https://www.hotcogtx.gov/regional-services/law-enforcement-training-classes

Life-Saving Su***de Intervention Skills Being Taught this Fall, Register Now!Intervening in any situation involving the ...
08/20/2026

Life-Saving Su***de Intervention Skills Being Taught this Fall, Register Now!

Intervening in any situation involving the threat or prospect of su***de is highly delicate. When officers, jailers, telecommunications workers, and emergency service providers encounter such a scenario, they need to be able to draw upon a specific set of skills to enact a plan and prevent harm.

On October 14 and 15, HOTCOG is offering such a class: Applied Su***de Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), a two-day program that will teach participants how to swiftly react if ever dealing with a potentially suicidal individual. Registration is open at the link below and free to applicants living in the HOTCOG region for this course, to be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1514 S New Road, Waco, TX 76711. Successful completion will net participants 16 TCOLE credits. Katherine Clendennen is the instructor, while all questions can be directed to Lana Gudgel at [email protected]. https://www.hotcogtx.gov/regional-services/law-enforcement-training-classes

Register Now to Learn Critical Su***de Prevention SkillsRegistration is currently open at the link below for the two-day...
08/13/2026

Register Now to Learn Critical Su***de Prevention Skills

Registration is currently open at the link below for the two-day October 14 and 15 ASIST class, an interactive workshop that teaches participants su***de first aid and when to recognize when someone may have thoughts of su***de. This course will instruct students on how to work quickly to establish a plan that will immediately support the safety of somebody in need.

Texas peace officers, jailers, telecommunications workers, and emergency service providers are specifically desired for registration, but ASIST training can be learned and utilized by anyone. No prerequisites or formal training are required to take the class. Students will earn 16 TCOLE credits for successful completion.

HOTCOG, located at 1514 S New Road, Waco, TX 76711, will host the class, taught by Katherine Clendennen, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Direct all inquiries to Lana Gudgel at [email protected]. Register here: https://www.hotcogtx.gov/regional-services/law-enforcement-training-classes

How is your internet service? We want to hear from you!The Heart of Texas Council of Governments (HOTCOG) is developing ...
08/11/2026

How is your internet service? We want to hear from you!

The Heart of Texas Council of Governments (HOTCOG) is developing a Regional Digital Opportunity Plan to better understand broadband needs across our region.

Your feedback will help identify challenges related to internet availability, reliability, affordability, device access, and digital skills.

Take the HOTCOG Broadband Survey:
🔗 https://publicinput.com/c82258
📱 or scan the QR Code!

The survey only takes a few minutes, and every response helps us build a clearer picture of broadband needs throughout the Heart of Texas.

Please share with others in your community!

Register to Develop Your Skills as an Advanced Instructor This TLECOSE Advanced Instructor Certification Course (Sept. 2...
07/30/2026

Register to Develop Your Skills as an Advanced Instructor

This TLECOSE Advanced Instructor Certification Course (Sept. 21-25) is designed to advance instructor knowledge and understanding of student motivations, in addition to increasing the development of instructor preparation, presentation, and skills for training adults.

This course, hosted by HOTCOG, has been developed by a committee of experts on the subject matter. Lana Gudgel is the class instructor, with sessions taking place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at McLennan Community College, ESEC, 7601 Steinbeck Bend Rd. Waco, TX. Successful completion of the course will earn students 40 TCOLE credits.

Note: This class is limited to 10 students who must currently be Texas Commission on Law Enforcement-certified instructors. Click the link below to register. Students residing in the HOTCOG region may register without charge. Lana Gudgel can be reached at [email protected] to answer all inquiries. https://www.hotcogtx.gov/regional-services/law-enforcement-training-classes

Don’t Wait to Become Certified in Child Abuse PreventionSpace is limited this August for HOTCOG’s Intermediate Child Abu...
07/23/2026

Don’t Wait to Become Certified in Child Abuse Prevention

Space is limited this August for HOTCOG’s Intermediate Child Abuse Prevention course from Aug. 24-28. This course, taught by Brandon Ferguson and Jason Stone and worth 24 TCOLE credits, is limited to 25 students. Click the link below to register.

In this class, students will develop a firm grasp on the basics of child abuse and neglect, which is critical for law enforcement officers and prosecutors to possess. An overview of child abuse, relevant definitions, statistics, possible causes and investigation techniques will be provided over multiple class sessions.

Upon completion, students will be able to better recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect, aiding them in the field and courtroom. No prerequisites are required to attend this course. Lana Gudgel can answer any questions at [email protected]. https://www.hotcogtx.gov/regional-services/law-enforcement-training-classes

Register Today to Earn Intermediate Child Abuse Prevention CertificationChildren are inherently vulnerable to abuse. Res...
07/16/2026

Register Today to Earn Intermediate Child Abuse Prevention Certification

Children are inherently vulnerable to abuse. Responding to situations involving child abuse is a scenario frequently encountered by law enforcement professionals. Therefore, it is integral that officers have a basic awareness of child neglect and abuse.

Intermediate certification for child abuse prevention will be available from August 24-28 via HOTCOG’s course, taught from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at ESEC, 7601 Steinbeck Bend Rd, Waco, TX. In this course, an overview of child abuse and neglect, definitions, possible causes, and basic investigation techniques will be taught.

This class is limited to 25 students, so don’t wait to register. Brandon Ferguson and Jason Stone are the class instructors. Students will receive 24 TCOLE credits for attending. For all inquiries, contact Lana Gudgel at [email protected]. Register here: https://www.hotcogtx.gov/regional-services/law-enforcement-training-classes

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1514 S New Road
Waco, TX
76711

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