In the near future, we will introduce legislation that would define 911 dispatchers, or telecommunicators, as first responders.

As we all know – 911 dispatchers are oftentimes the very first contact someone makes in an emergency. Dispatchers, or telecommunicators, provide critical information to other first responders on their way to an emergency, during an incident, and often by coordinating resources after the incident has been controlled.

Dispatchers are essential first responders and this bill would ensure that they receive that recognition in our state law. Similar language was introduced last session as House Bill 1463, which passed the House by a 184-16 vote.

Please join us in cosponsoring this important, bipartisan measure that would ensure dispatchers are rightly recognized as first responders.