The E9-1-1 Institute and NENA Host
4th Annual 9-1-1 Honors Gala
March 13, 2007
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Special Recognition Award
Senator Conrad Burns

In 2003, the Congressional E9-1-1 Caucus was formed in large part out of the vision of Senator Conrad Burns.  Recognizing the need for greater federal attention on 9-1-1 issues, Senator Burns worked with Senator Clinton, Representative Eshoo and Representative Shimkus to create the first and only Congressional Caucus focused on E9-1-1 and emergency communications

Burns has been a leader in advancing public safety issues throughout his public career.  He championed the Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999 and the ENHANCE 911 Act of 2004 which created the first ever federal grant program to advance 9-1-1 services.  There are literally dozens of bills which cover most every corner of communications law that began as a Burns-sponsored bill with a catchy acronym – his trade mark as a legislator. 

His colleagues adored him and his constituents loved him.  The rest of us simply enjoyed him.

No FCC Commissioner was free from his never-ending passion to serve public safety and rural America – the dominant themes of his many legislative initiatives.

No Senate staffer was immune from his folksy jokes and cowboy-logic one-liners.

Not enough can be said for all that Senator Burns has done to
make 9-1-1 a leading public policy issue at the national level.  Four years ago, we started building on the vision Senator Burns laid out for the E9-1-1 Caucus which was to make 9-1-1 a national priority.  Looking at this room tonight Senator, you, above all others, has reason to be proud at the fruits of your leadership.