Torres, Fitzpatrick Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort to Recognize 9-1-1 Dispatchers
Washington, D.C. – During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution to recognize the critical contributions of public safety telecommunicators in keeping communities safe and saving lives. National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed during the second full week of April, honors 9-1-1 dispatchers for their dedication and service as first responders to emergencies nationwide.
"For 17 years, I was the voice on the other end of a 9-1-1 call—listening to people in their darkest moments, calming terrified parents, and guiding callers through life-or-death situations. Dispatchers are more than operators; they are lifelines, holding steady when everything else feels out of control,” said Congresswoman Torres. “Yet, their work too often goes unseen. This resolution honors their service, but they deserve more than recognition—they deserve action. Passing my bipartisan 911 SAVES Act will ensure they are classified for what they truly are: lifesaving professionals. Public safety telecommunicators give so much of themselves to protect others, and I urge my colleagues to stand with them and fight for the status and support they deserve."
“When every second counts, it’s the voice of a public safety telecommunicator that begins the chain of survival. These professionals are more than a calm presence—they are highly trained experts who manage emergencies with speed, clarity, and composure under immense pressure. Having served as an FBI Special Agent, I know their decisions can mean the difference between life and death. Our resolution is about more than recognition—it’s a call to action. We must ensure these frontline heroes are properly classified, fully supported, and honored for the indispensable role they have in protecting our communities,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.
The Senate version of this bipartisan resolution is being led by Senators Klobuchar (D-MN) and Budd (R-NC). The measure urges Congress to acknowledge the vital role of public safety telecommunicators and provide them with the resources and recognition they need to continue their lifesaving work.
The full text of the resolution can be found here.
Congresswoman Norma Torres, a longtime advocate for 9-1-1 dispatchers, co-introduced the bipartisan 911 SAVES Act with Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) in the 116th and 117th Congresses. The bill seeks to reclassify dispatchers as protective service workers instead of clerical staff—recognizing their vital, lifesaving role in emergency response. Congresswoman Torres also serves as Co-Chair of the bipartisan NEXTGEN911 Caucus, where she continues to lead efforts in Congress to modernize 9-1-1 systems and support public safety professionals.
###