"Michigan's 2,000 telecommunicators are unsung heroes," declared Harriet Miller-Brown, State  9-1-1 Administrator.  "It is an honor to celebrate these exemplary individuals who demonstrate the highest levels of professional conduct and extraordinary performance.  Their dedication and hard work touches the lives of countless people daily."

In Michigan, the state's 182 public safety answering points (PSAPs) serve as the consistent point for dispatching police, fire, and EMS response.  In addition to answering emergency calls, telecommunicators also provide medical pre-arrival instruction; activate emergency operations coordinators, towing services, hospitals, road commissions, and public works departments; initiate severe weather alerts; handle call-outs for specialized response teams such as search and rescue, activating medical examiners, and hazmat response teams.  Telecommunicators receive calls through many various 9-1-1 dialing systems including wireless, traditional telephones, and Voice Over the Internet (VoIP).

"Our telecommunicators are the reassuring voice of help and comfort for people when they are hurt, in danger, or in crisis," Miller-Brown continued.  "This week, we salute and thank them for providing the vital services they do each day."

The State 9-1-1 Committee (renamed in 2008 from the previous title of Emergency Telephone Service Committee) was established in accordance with Public Act 79 of 1999.  Its 21 member organizations work together to promote the successful development, implementation, and operation of 9-1-1 systems across the State of Michigan.