Reps. Torres, Fitzpatrick, Eshoo, & Hudson Call for Creation of Training Grants Program for 9-1-1 Dispatchers
Washington, D.C. – Representative Norma J. Torres (CA-35) — a former 911 dispatcher — yesterday led a bipartisan letter with Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) and Co-Chairs of the Congressional NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus Anna Eshoo (D-CA-16) & Richard Hudson (R-NC-09) calling on the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to follow congressional intent and submit a plan to establish a 9-1-1 Training Grants program. The lawmakers highlighted the necessity of additional funding to help 9-1-1 dispatchers respond to a variety of 21st-century challenges, including mass shootings, hostage situations, and opioid overdoses.
“We believe it is vital to assist 911 operators as they respond to an estimated 240 million calls annually to provide lifesaving emergency services. 911 professionals are a critical part of the emergency response effort and are asked to deal with a large variety of emergency situations and technologies,” the lawmakers wrote.
“We appreciate the NTIA’s work and dedication towards creating a competitive grant program for 911 agencies and call centers. However, it is necessary that progress is made on the program so 911 dispatchers are given the proper resources they need to respond to critical calls. As the workload for dispatchers continues to rise, effective training remains necessary. For our citizens to receive prompt and efficient care, 911 dispatchers must receive the proper resources as outlined in the legislative language. We are looking forward to the implementation of Congressional intent by the NTIA, especially as it will greatly benefit the work environment of many 911 dispatchers, ensure a stronger 911 system, and better serve the American public,” the lawmakers concluded.
Congresswoman Torres used her position on the House Appropriations Committee – which oversees all federal funding – to secure aid for 9-1-1 dispatchers in last year’s government funding bill. This included directing NTIA to develop a plan for the competitive grant program featured in the letter. The Congresswoman has also introduced the bipartisan 911 Supporting Accurate Views of Emergency Services (SAVES) Act to reclassify 9-1-1 dispatchers as first responders and recognize dispatchers for the work they do every day to help save lives.
The bipartisan letter was also signed by Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL), Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA-38), Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA-31), André Cason (D-IN-07), C. A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD-02), and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05). For the full text of the letter, please click here.