In autumn of 1986, the United States House and Senatepassed a joint resolution proclaiming September 11, 1987 “9-1-1 EmergencyNumber Day.” The proclamation states:
“Whereas protecting life and insuring safety are important responsibilities of local governments;
Whereas the ability of all persons to quickly summon help in an emergency is essential to a community’s well being;
Whereas thousands of municipalities throughout the United States have established 9-1-1 Emergency telephone systems;
Whereas 9-1-1 emergency telephone systems have made it possible to save many lives, thereby enhancing the quality of life in communities throughout the nation; and
Whereas 9-1-1 emergency telephone systems increase public confidence and provide efficient emergency services with greater response capabilities and cost savings to the public: Now, therefore be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That September 11, 1987, is designated as “9-1-1 Emergency Number Day.” The president of the United States is Requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe such a day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”
Ever since, people in all facets of the 9-1-1 industry andbeyond have observed September 11 (9/11) as National 9-1-1 Day.
Each year, individual states and communities take part byalso proclaiming this day. For example:
- On July 29, 1998, Arizona Governor JaneDee Hull signed her state’s proclamation for Annual 9-1-1 Day. In thisproclamation, the Arizona Department of Administration, in cooperation with theArizona Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association, set asideSeptember 11 to recognize the efforts of dedicated public safety dispatchers,call takers, telecommunicators, and telecommunications support personnelthroughout the State of Arizona.
- Ameritech is planning several events, including Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland Indians, Northwestern University vs. Texas Christian football, University of Wisconsin at Madison vs. Ball State football, and Ohio State vs. UCLA.
- St. Clair County, IL, is presenting each telecommunicator with a cup, pin and letter of appreciation from the Emergency Telecommunications Service Board. In addition, the county board is going to do a proclamation.
- The Mayor’s office in Toronto, Canada, is drawing up a proclamation for 9-1-1 Day. Rick Galway, Ontario NENA president, is hoping to have a media event, with the Mayor reading the proclamation during shift change at the PSAP. The police chief, fire chief, and EMS general manager are anticipated to attend.
- SCC Communications purchased a block of tickets to the Colorado Rockies vs. Milwaukee Brewers game. William Hinkle, NENA president, will be there for a presentation at Coors Field before the game.
- Pacific Bell is sponsoring a dispatcher appreciation event at 3Com Park in San Francisco. The San Francisco Giants will be playing the Atlanta Braves. The day will start at 11 a.m. with a catered tailgate lunch for 250 dispatchers and their guests. Invitations will be sent to North California Public Safety agencies. An on-field recognition event will be held to honor several people involved with 9-1-1. Red E. Fox, the 9-1-1 for Kids character, will join the on-field event, as he did last year.
There will also be a scoreboard announcement of National 9-1-1 day, with a recognition of the dispatchers in attendance at that game. Information will also be on the giant Diamond Vision screen. KNBR radio, the voice of the San Francisco Giants, will run 60 public awareness announcements of 9-1-1 Day prior to the event, with 15 of the announcements within Giants baseball broadcasts. The announcements are scheduled to be recorded by several players for the Giants (time permitting). The Public Service Announcements will stress the correct use of 9-1-1. Also, they are working with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and LA Dodgers. Also, Nevada Bell, a sister company, is honoring dispatchers at the Great Reno Balloon Races.
Becreative in recognizing the people that make a difference in 9-1-1 and emergencycommunications in yourcommunity!