Telecommunicators Week
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 people a simple and reliable way to reach help during emergencies. Before 911, callers had to remember different phone numbers for police, fire, and medical services, which could slow response times. The idea for a single emergency phone number began in 1957, when the National Association of Fire Chiefs recommended an easier way for the public to report emergencies. During the 1960s, the idea gained wider support as communities looked for faster ways to connect people with help.
1968: The First 911 Call
In 1968, AT&T established 911 as a universal, easy-to-remember, three-digit emergency number. AT&T worked with local telephone companies and public safety agencies to make the system possible. The first 911 call was placed that year in Haleyville, Alabama, marking the start of a nationwide effort to create one emergency number for all communities.
1970s–1980s: Expansion Across the Country
Following the first 911 call, states and local governments began adopting the system at different speeds. By the late 1970s and 1980s, 911 service expanded to many cities and counties, helping standardize how emergencies were reported and handled.
1990s: Enhanced 911 (E911)
As technology improved, Enhanced 911, also known as E911, was introduced. E911 allows dispatchers to see a caller’s phone number and location automatically. This helped reduce delays, especially when callers could not speak or did not know their location.
2000s: Wireless and Mobile 911
With the growth of mobile phones, 911 systems were updated to support wireless calls. This ensured emergency calls from cell phones could be routed to the correct communications center and that location information could be shared with responders.
Today: Next Generation 911
Today, 911 systems continue to evolve through Next Generation 911 upgrades. These improvements support modern communication methods, such as text-to-911 and more accurate location data. These updates help emergency professionals respond more quickly and effectively.
The Growth of 911 Communication Services in Pitt County
Pitt County’s 911 system has grown over the years through steady improvements in technology, training, and emergency response coordination. The timeline below highlights key milestones in the development of local 911 services.
View the Pitt County 911 Communications History Photo Gallery
1988: 911 Service Begins
The Pitt County 911 Communications Center began operations in September 1988. The first official 911 call was answered on October 1, 1988, at the Pitt County Courthouse. This marked a major improvement in how residents could reach emergency services quickly.
1989: Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD)
In November 1989, a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system was launched. This system helped telecommunicators handle calls faster and share accurate information with emergency responders.
1991: Enhanced 911 (E911)
In December 1991, the center became an Enhanced 911 (E911) facility. E911 allows a caller’s phone number and address to display automatically, helping reduce delays when location details are unclear.
1994: GIS Mapping Program
A Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping program was added in 1994. This technology helps telecommunicators quickly locate addresses and nearby features.
- Cross streets
- Nearest fire hydrants
- Subdivision and neighborhood information
1999: Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD)
Emergency Medical Dispatch was introduced in April 1999. EMD allows telecommunicators to assess medical emergencies and provide instructions while help is on the way. Staff follow nationally recognized protocols for 33 medical situations.
- Provide step-by-step guidance for childbirth
- Assist with choking emergencies
- Perform CPR
2017: 911 Backup Center
A physical 911 backup center became operational in August 2017. This facility supports continued operations during major events, including Hurricane Florence and the COVID-19 pandemic.
2019: Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD)
Emergency Fire Dispatch launched on April 1, 2019. EFD helps telecommunicators gather detailed fire-related information and provide clear guidance during fire emergencies.
- Shelter in place during a structure fire
- Exit a burning building safely
- Escape a flooded vehicle
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.