ALNENA members meet with Senators Richard Shelby
and Jeff Sessions and Representative Robert Aderholt during
Washington trip.
WASHINGTON DC: March 12,
2008
Members of the Alabama Chapter of NENA (National Emergency
Number Association) from around the state made their annual trek
to the nation’s capitol this month to meet with other 9-1-1
leaders as well the state’s congressional delegation to discuss
the future of 9-1-1 across the state and the nation.
This annual conference,
dubbed “9-1-1 Goes to Washington” looks at the needs of 9-1-1
and how to best meet those needs. Hosted by NENA and the E9-1-1
Institute, the conference also includes an awards dinner where
outstanding accomplishments are recognized. In addition to the
awards for “Citizen in Action”, “Outstanding Call Center”,
“9-1-1 Call Taker /Dispatcher”, “9-1-1 Technician”, “Industry
Professional”, “Government Leader (federal)”, “First Responder”,
and “Government Leader (local)” Alabama was recognized for its
place in 9-1-1 history.
The first 9-1-1 call
placed in the United States was in Haleyville on February 16,
1968 (40 years ago) by Alabama Speaker of the House Rankin Fite
and was answered by Congressman Tom Bevill at the Haleyville
Police Department. That call earned the small North Alabama town
the nickname of “Home of 9-1-1.”
As part of the
recognition of Alabama’s place in 9-1-1 history, the two
Senators and six Representatives were presented plaques noting
the anniversary. Following the presentation, the delegation of
sixteen 9-1-1 professionals from throughout the state discussed
the needs and recommendations for 9-1-1, including the ever
changing technological advances which place a strain on many
operations attempting to stay current. Other issues included the
place for 9-1-1 in the overall Homeland Security scheme, the
need for better public education as well as funding issues
presented by the explosive growth of technology around the
country.
The people involved in
that first 9-1-1 call 40 years ago could not have imagined
today’s technology where cell phones, palm pilots and camera
phones are impacting today’s public safety world.
AL-NENA President Johnny
Hart of Marshall County said AL-NENA believes the dedication and
leadership present in 9-1-1 personnel throughout the state, from
call-takers to directors and board members, will continue the
proud tradition of 9-1-1 and emergency services for the people
of Alabama. He said officials in Montgomery would also be
recognized in April during a joint meeting of AL-NENA and AAND,
Alabama Association of 9-1-1 Districts, an affiliated
organization promoting 9-1-1 efforts throughout the state.
Hart said the Executive
Board and AL-NENA members will also be manning a booth at the
annual NENA conference in June recognizing and promoting
Alabama’s place in 9-1-1 history through the years. “9-1-1
personnel throughout the state are extremely dedicated and have
refused to rest on their laurels basking in the fact we were
first,” noted Hart. He pointed out AL-NENA has consistently been
among the top chapters in the nation in membership as well as
being recognized for its annual conference in October.
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