The E9-1-1 Institute and NENA Host
4th Annual 9-1-1 Honors Gala
March 13, 2007
__________________________________

Special Recognition Award
9-1-1 For Kids

In  the early 1990’s the State of Texas 911 Commission and the State of California partnered on the creation of a children’s
9-1-1 education program that would target children ages 4 to 7
and:

1)       Deliver easy-to-remember messages about the
  proper use of 9-1-1;

2)       Hold their interest and have universal appeal to
  all children;

3)       Have guaranteed wide application; and

4)       Have a long shelf-life.

As the program advanced, the State of California requested the assistance of San Jose and the California NENA organizations to partner with Texas for the launching of the 9-1-1 for Kids educational program.   Emmy and Peabody Award-winning Tony Urbano Productions signed onto the project team to create new 9-1-1 mascots, that would captivate children and deliver critical 9-1-1 information in a fun and memorable manner.

Since that program started over 12 years ago, more than 2 million children have already participated in the 9-1-1 for KIDS® classroom programs. 

Through the dedication of individuals such as Tim Brown and Elise Kim the 9-1-1 for Kids program has certainly fulfilled the dreams of its early creators.  The success of such a program comes from the talents of many.  Particularly we want to recognize the efforts of Tim Brown in his role as National Chairman of Athletes & Entertainers for Kids and 911 for Kids, as he has helped over five million children and teens through mentoring and educational programs. Brown's phenomenal NFL career can only be shadowed by his service to youth and underserved communities throughout the nation.

We are happy and honored to have the representatives of 9-1-1 for Kids here with us tonight, Elise Kim, President and CEO and Tim Brown, please help me welcome them to the stage to accept their award as an outstanding community service organization.