PRESS RELEASE: GREATER HARRIS COUNTY 9-1-1 EMERGENCY NETWORK RECEIVES NATIONAL HONOR FOR 9-1-1 PROGRAM
Mar 29th, 2011
For Immediate Release
March 29, 2011
Contact: Carla A. Anderson
Mobile: 202.498.6936
Email: contactus@e911institute.org
GREATER HARRIS COUNTY 9-1-1 EMERGENCY NETWORK RECEIVES NATIONAL HONOR FOR 9-1-1 PROGRAM
WASHINGTON, DC -- The E9-1-1 Institute, in conjunction with National Emergency Number Association (NENA), the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO), the National Association of State 9-1-1 Administrators (NASNA), the 9-1-1 Industry Alliance ("9IA"), National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED), 9-1-1 For Kids, and the Congressional NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus, will present the Greater Harris County 9-1-1 Emergency Network (GHC 9-1-1) which serves Houston and 48 other cities, with the Outstanding 9-1-1 Program Award as part of the 8th annual “9-1-1 Honors Gala” in Washington D.C.
The Outstanding 9-1-1 Program Award recognizes an innovative and forward looking plan to enhance the future viability of public emergency communications systems. GHC 9-1-1 is an excellent example of an approach to efficient, reliable public safety services with and through an eye to call-taker training, professional growth, technological development, and community involvement and education. GHC 9-1-1 serves approximately 20% of Texas’ population in 49 cities and 2 counties and has a self-managed, in-house ALI database. Their recently completed headquarters is a Silver LEED Certified facility that houses all its 9-1-1 systems including its own Network Operations Center (NOC) and a self-managed in-house database. GHC 9-1-1 has implemented and upgraded its Internet Protocol (IP) network infrastructure to include diverse wireless and wireline paths for optimal redundancy in preparation for future applications for Next Generation technology. Greater Harris County 9-1-1 has demonstrated a deep commitment to public education and 9-1-1 call center training at the local, state, and national levels. They have demonstrated that balancing operations and technology is the key to preparing for future technologies.
“The Greater Harris County 9-1-1 Emergency Network is a model of advanced technology, highly-trained professionals, and commitment to forward thinking in emergency communications,” said Gregory L. Rohde, Executive Director of the E9-1-1 Institute. “Greater Harris County 9-1-1 has truly done a remarkable job to build and administer a state-of-the-art 9-1-1 infrastructure for all the jurisdictions in its territory, big and small.”
About the E9-1-1 Institute: The E9-1-1 Institute is a non-profit organization which shares the mission of the Congressional NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus to assist in promoting public education on E9-1-1 and emergency communications issues. The E9-1-1 Institute provides informational support to members of the Congressional Caucus as they pursue their mission of improving 9-1-1 emergency communications. Find out more at www.e911institute.org
About NENA: NENA serves the public safety community as the only professional organization solely focused on 9-1-1 policy, technology, operations, and education issues. With more than 7,000 members in 48 chapters across the United States and around the globe, NENA promotes the implementation and awareness of 9-1-1 and international three-digit emergency communications systems. NENA works with public policy leaders, emergency services and telecommunications industry partners, like-minded public safety associations, and other stakeholder groups to develop and carry out critical programs and initiatives, to facilitate the creation of an IP-based Next Generation 9-1-1 system, and to establish industry leading standards, training, and certifications. Find out more at www.nena.org.
About APCO International: APCO International is the world's largest organization of public safety communications professionals. It serves the needs of public safety communications practitioners worldwide-and the welfare of the general public as a whole-by providing complete expertise, professional development, technical assistance, advocacy and outreach. Find out more at www.apcointl.org.
About NASNA: The purpose of NASNA is to promote information sharing amongst those states with programs dedicated to implementing 9-1-1 emergency telephone systems; assist other states with resolving issues necessary to accomplish statewide implementation and maintenance; encourage the establishment of a coordination person within each state or province; identify and recommend minimum standards for 9-1-1 emergency telephone systems; identify and recommend appropriate legislation or rules concerning the administration of statewide 9-1-1 telephone system programs and serve as a knowledge resource for the membership of the Association. Find out more at www.nasna911.org.
About 9IA: The 9-1-1 Industry Alliance ("9IA") represents the industry voice of the public safety industry. Established in December 2005 by a group of prominent leaders of the 9-1-1 industry, the Alliance plays an important role as the voice of industry companies on public policy issues impacting 9-1-1 and the emergency response system. It is the Alliance’s belief that the expertise of industry leaders can assist public policymakers and government emergency communications professionals as they address complex choices regarding advanced 9-1-1 alternatives in the years ahead. Find out more at www.911alliance.org.
About NAED: The NAED is a non-profit standard-setting organization promoting safe and effective emergency dispatch services world-wide. Comprised of three allied Academies for medical, fire and police dispatching, the NAED supports first-responder related research, unified protocol application, legislation for emergency call center regulation, and strengthening the emergency dispatch community through education, certification, and accreditation. Find out more about NAED at www.emergencydispatch.org
About 911 for Kids: 9-1-1 for Kids® is the official public education organization for law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency medical response and 9-1-1 communication centers for the U.S., Canada and the Cayman Islands; all countries where "9-1-1" is the universal emergency response phone number. 9-1-1 for Kids® was established in 1994 and is endorsed by: APCO International (Assn. of Public Safety Communications Officials); E-911 Institute; NENA (National Emergency Numbers Assn.); and NASNA (National Assn. of Nine-one-one Administrators). Find out more about 911 for Kids at www.911forkids.com
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