Recognizing 50 Years of Telecommunicators and 911 Calls

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National 911 Program Recognizes April 911 Education Month, Telecommunicators Nationwide, and 50 Years of 911         

Throughout 2018, the 911 community is celebrating 50 years of 911. And during the month of April, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National 911 Program recognize 911 Education Month, and April 8-14 as National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week.

National 911 Education Month in this landmark 50th year provides a unique opportunity to educate the public about all aspects of 911, including:

 "The men and women who answer calls for assistance everyday - all across the United States - are the backbone of the 911 system," said National 911 Program Coordinator Laurie Flaherty. "Their professionalism, commitment and dedication are what we honor during National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week."

A former EMS, 911 call-taker and dispatcher, NHTSA Administrator Heidi King spoke at the NG911 Institute's recent 15th Annual 9-1-1 Honor Awards Gala, sharing some of her experiences from within the PSAP.

"February 16, 2018 marked the 50th anniversary of the first 9-1-1 call. I am so proud that I've been able to be a part of supporting this miraculous, lifesaving system, starting with my days as a dispatcher to today at NHTSA, where our National 911 Program continues to support and strengthen the system in partnership with the state and local governments responsible for its operation."

A number of resources are available to help provide information about 911 to communities nationwide. Click the links below to find information from a variety of 911 associations and the National 911 Program:

  • Know911.org, a clearinghouse of national education materials hosted by the National Association of State 911 Administrators (NASNA).
  • 911.gov Recognizes the 50th Anniversary of 911, including links to a variety of timelines and resources honoring the 2018 milestone from associations including APCO, NENA, iCERT and the NG911 Now Coalition.
  • NG911 Institute's 50th Anniversary Celebration, featuring the 2018 9-1-1 Honor Awards winners and a recap of the 50th anniversary festivities in Washington D.C. earlier this year.

For more information about the National 911 Program, including the upcoming 911 Grant Program application process, visit 911.gov