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911 Telecommunicators Awareness
Honoring & Recognizing 911 Telecommunicators
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is observed each year in April. This week honors the dedicated professionals who answer 911 calls and serve as the first point of contact during emergencies. For every request for police, fire, or medical assistance, telecommunicators play a critical role in gathering information, providing instructions, and dispatching the appropriate response. Through training, technology, and teamwork, Pitt County’s 911 Communications team continues to support public safety and help reduce risk for the community.
One Easy Number That Changed Emergency Response
The 911 emergency number was created to give the public one simple, reliable way to reach police, fire, and medical help. Before 911, callers had to remember separate numbers, which could delay response. The idea began in 1957 and gained support through the 1960s as communities sought faster emergency access.
1968: The First 911 Call
In 1968, AT&T established 911 as a universal three-digit emergency number. The first call was placed in Haleyville, Alabama, launching a nationwide effort to standardize emergency response.
1970s–1980s: Nationwide Expansion
Through the 1970s and 1980s, states and local governments adopted 911, expanding service across cities and counties.
1990s: Enhanced 911 (E911)
E911 technology allowed dispatchers to automatically see a caller’s phone number and location, reducing delays when callers could not speak or provide details.
2000s–Today: Wireless & Next Generation 911
Wireless updates improved mobile call routing and location accuracy. Today, Next Generation 911 supports text-to-911 and advanced data sharing to strengthen emergency response.
The Growth of 911 Communication Services in Pitt County
Pitt County’s 911 system has advanced through ongoing improvements in technology, training, and coordination.
View the Pitt County 911 Communications History Photo Gallery
1988: 911 Service Begins
The Communications Center began operations in September 1988, with the first official 911 call answered on October 1 at the Pitt County Courthouse.
1989: Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD)
CAD was implemented to improve call handling and information sharing with responders.
1991: Enhanced 911 (E911)
The center became an E911 facility, enabling automatic display of a caller’s phone number and address.
1994: GIS Mapping
GIS mapping was added to quickly identify addresses, cross streets, hydrants, and neighborhood details.
1999: Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD)
EMD allowed telecommunicators to follow national protocols and provide pre-arrival medical instructions such as CPR, childbirth guidance, and choking assistance.
2017: 911 Backup Center
A backup center opened to maintain operations during major events, including Hurricane Florence and the COVID-19 pandemic.
2019: Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD)
EFD launched to improve fire-related call processing and provide safety instructions during emergencies.
Honoring 911 Professionals Through Awareness and Preparedness
911 telecommunicators are often the first point of contact during emergencies. They answer calls, gather critical information, provide instructions, and coordinate help when it matters most. One meaningful way the community can honor this work is by being prepared before an emergency happens.
Learning the basics of calling 911 and helping children understand what to do in an emergency can help reduce confusion, support clearer communication, and assist telecommunicators in sending the right help as quickly as possible. These simple steps support safer outcomes for callers, responders, and the professionals who answer every call.