Washington, D.C. - February 24, 2004 – A state legislator from Upstate New York, a 6-year-old girl from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and a Nashville-based musical group are being honored today as 9-1-1 heroes. 

 The honorees are being recognized in ceremonies in Washington, D.C. by the E9-1-1 Institute, a nonprofit organization that educates Congress and the public about emergency communications issues.  The Institute also serves as a support organization to the Congressional E9-1-1 Caucus, which is co-chaired by Senators Conrad Burns (R-MT) and Hillary Clinton (D-NY), and Representatives John Shimkus (R-IL), and Anna  Eshoo (D-CA).

“The purpose of the awards is to spotlight the critical importance of 9-1-1 services and recognize extraordinary individuals who have demonstrated exceptional heroism and leadership in 9-1-1 affairs,” said Gregory L. Rohde, Executive Director of the E9-1-1 Institute.  “Their stories are a reminder to all of us that real lives are at stake, and that E9-1-1 must be made one of America’s top public safety priorities.” 

The first annual recipients of the E9-1-1 Institute’s Heroes Awards are: 

 ·        New York State Assemblyman David Koon of Fairport, New York, whose daughter’s tragic abduction and murder propelled him into politics as a champion of E9-1-1 services.  Assemblyman Koon was instrumental in securing a New York state auditor’s report on misspent 9-1-1 funds and in passing legislation to modernize the state’s emergency call centers.  Mr. Koon has also been a leading national spokesman on the issue.  He will receive the “9-1-1 Professional” award. 

·        Six-year-old Kristy Wickliff of Southlake, Texas.  Last April, when Kristy’s father went into diabetic shock, the then five-year-old knew exactly what to do, dialing 9-1-1, remaining calm and following the dispatcher’s instructions.  Kristy’s actions saved her father’s life, demonstrating the value of educating family members about how to call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.  Kristy will receive the “Citizen in Action” award. 

 ·        Jim Moore and the Animal Band of Nashville, Tennessee, whose “9-1-1 Song” has been performed at hundreds of schools across America since 1992 and has actually helped kids save lives.  The group’s latest efforts include a Public Service Announcement campaign airing on television and in movie theaters nationwide.  Jim Moore and the Animal Band will be receiving the “Media/Entertainment Excellence” Award.

 The awards were presented at a celebration of the one-year anniversary of the Congressional E9-1-1 Caucus, which was established in February 2003.  The goals of the caucus include: 

• Promoting enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1), which automatically provides a call-back number and location of the caller;
   
• Ensuring that 9-1-1 systems, networks, and operators are properly funded; and
   
• Elevating emergency communications issues within all branches of government at the federal, state and local levels.

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CONTACTS: 

Media:  Dale Curtis or Susie Beamon, 202-715-1537

All other inquiries:  Erica Orange, 202-292-4600

 The E9-1-1 Institute (www.e911institute.org) is a not-for-profit organization which provides administrative and policy support to the Congressional E9-1-1 Caucus.  The purpose of the E9-1-1 Institute is to promote pubic education and awareness of E9-1-1 and emergency communications issues and serve the Congressional E9-1-1 Caucus as a clearinghouse of information on E9-1-1 and emergency communications issues.  Gregory L. Rohde, former Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, serves as the E9-1-1 Institute’s Executive Director.