February 14, Valentine’s Day, marked the anniversary of the regional
9-1-1 system – the heart of public safety.
MARC News
Regional 9-1-1 Celebrates 25 Years of Service
Three area children honored as 9-1-1 Heroes
February 15, 2008
On February 14, 2008, MARC commemorated the 25th anniversary of regional 9-1-1 service in the Kansas City area. Elected officials, public safety officers, 9-1-1 dispatchers, and members of the MARC Public Safety Communications Board and staff celebrated this milestone with a program and reception.
Prior to February 14, 1983, people needing police, fire or ambulance assistance had to directly dial these agencies. 9-1-1 now allows people to remember just one simple number to summon any of these services in an emergency. By centralizing public safety efforts, response times to emergencies sped up and greater collaboration among agencies became possible. A number of key Kansas City officials who were present at the cutover to the 9-1-1 system in 1983 attended the anniversary ceremonies.
Several 9-1-1 Heroes were also recognized at the event. Proper use of 9-1-1 and the quick actions of these children saved the lives of their loved ones. The 9-1-1 Heroes program honors Kansas City area youths for their valiant efforts in appropriately using 9-1-1. The three honorees were Joseph Cepeda, age 4, Olathe; James King, age 8, Overland Park; and Danielle Fay, age 12, Olathe.
The event featured a look back at the history of 9-1-1 in the Greater Kansas City area and previewed what is ahead for emergency communications in the region. Future challenges, including the Missouri issue of wireless funding issue, were explored and new opportunities such as the now forming Metropolitan Regional Radio System were discussed.
This is the first event of 2008 celebrating the 25th anniversary of the regional 9-1-1 system. On April 18, dispatchers who have been working with 9-1-1 since the implementation of the system will be honored at the annual Telecommunicators Appreciation Celebration.
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