Statement by:  Gregory L. Rohde, Executive Director

Every day more than half million Americans will call 9-1-1 seeking help for a crisis they did not anticipate.  That means that about 22,000 people per hour and about 400 people per minute – about the length of time for this event we are holding today -- will find them selves in distrust and call 9-1-1. 

There are two things that ensure that these calls are successful:

One is the technology, such as these sophisticated mobile command centers, the copper wires, radio waves, and computers that enable the telecommunications networks to deliver the calls to the right place. 

The second and perhaps more important element is the invisible army that brings life to the technology – the trained professionals who answer the calls and deliver help.  While the technology is very impressive, these vehicles and wires and computers are merely inanimate objects.  It is the people behind the technology that make it all happen.

It is only fitting, therefore, that the Congress, based on a resolution originally introduced by Representative Markey from Massachusetts, set aside this week as a time in which we honor and recognize the men and women who dedicate themselves to serve call centers such as this.

The E9-1-1 Institute works with the Congressional E9-1-1 Caucus.  One of the co-chairs of the E9-1-1 Caucus has provided this statement, April 4, 2007: Statement of Senator Hillary Rodhman Clinton on National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.  "Every year, we recognize heroes and leaders whose lives and work tell the story about how important 9-1-1 is to protect public safety."

In my judgment, it could not be more appropriate that we are here today celebrating the National Emergency Telecommunicators Week in Fairfax County.  A few weeks ago, the E9-1-1 Institute recognized several individuals from this call center for their extraordinary efforts in a very serious situation involving a gunman who took the lives of some police officers.  The situation could have resulted in even more death except for the amazing team work of these exceptional professional here.

April 4, 2007 - Senator Clinton Honors Public Safety Telecommunicators

April 4, 2007- Senator Webb Honors Public Safety Telecommunicators