NORTHERN MICHIGAN – The State 911 Committee (SNC) is recognizing Michigan’s telecommunicators and their vital contributions to public safety during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 13-19.
“Let’s take a moment to honor the incredible individuals behind every 911 call,” said Amy Thomas, State 911 Administrator. “They are the steady presence in moments of crisis, offering calm when panic sets in and strength when fear takes hold. They celebrate the saves, grieve the losses, and carry the weight of every call long after the line goes silent.
“Their impact is lasting, their service essential, and our gratitude extends beyond these seven days.”
In Michigan, 911 centers are the primary dispatch point for police, fire and EMS. In addition to answering emergency calls, telecommunicators provide pre-arrival instructions, activate weather alerts, and coordinate responses with agencies such as hospitals, utility companies, and public works departments. They also deploy specialized teams including search and rescue, SWAT, negotiators, and hazmat.
Telecommunicators handle calls from various systems including landlines, wireless phones, VoIP, smart devices and text messages.
The SNC, created under Public Act 79 of 1999, is a 21-member body supporting the development and operation of 911 systems in Michigan.
911 Quick Facts:
The first 911 call was made on Feb. 16, 1968, in Haleyville, Alabama.
Michigan has 130 primary Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs).
In 2023, Michigan telecommunicators handled 6,042,765 calls to 911, 29,533 texts to 911, and 7,091,143 non-emergency calls.
There are more than 2,200 telecommunicators in the state.
Michigan 911 telecommunicators must complete at least 80 hours of training within their first 24 months and 24 continuing education hours every two years.
82 counties in Michigan are now using IP-based Next-Generation 911 call handling systems, with one more in progress.
Text-to-911 is available statewide.
