Citizen Heroes and Leaders Honored

WASHINGTON, DC -- The E9-1-1 Institute, in conjunction with National Emergency Number Association (NENA), the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO), the National Association of State 9-1-1 Administrators (NASNA), the 9-1-1 Industry Alliance ("9IA"), National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED), 9-1-1 For Kids, and the Congressional NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus, has presented 11 awards to citizen heroes at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.'s Ronald Reagan Center.

This is the 8th annual awards ceremony where citizens whose heroism and dedication highlight the critical importance of 9-1-1 emergency communications will be honored. The Co-chairs of the Congressional NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus were on hand to present the awards.

Being honored this year were:

The Alexandria Police Department of Alexandria, Virginia will receive the First Responder Award. The First Responder Award is given in appreciation of the dedicated professionals in law enforcement, fire, rescue, and telecommunications who assist in the resolution of an emergency situation. Seven dispatchers took immediate action when an armed carjacking suspect ran into a crowded city hall. They simultaneously coordinated the more than 30 officers responding to the call and initiated the city's Reverse 9-1-1 system to alert the surrounding residential neighborhood. Their quick, organized response contributed to the successful apprehension of the suspect wherein no one was harmed.

Angie Phillips of Arlington, Texas and Ryan Reed of Weatherford, Texas received the 9-1-1 Call-Taker & 9-1-1 Citizen Award. On October 24, 2010, Arlington, Texas 9-1-1 call-taker Angie Phillips answered a 9-1-1 call from Ryan Reed, a 16 year old with Asperger's syndrome. Ryan's grandfather was driving them home when he suffered congenital heart failure and lost consciousness. As the only passenger in the car, Ryan quickly dialed 9-1-1. Angie thought and acted quickly, and with her help, Ryan was able to stop the vehicle and use landmarks to relay their location. Angie and Ryan's ability to remain calm and communicate clearly saved his grandfather's life.

The City of Aurora Public Safety Communications Department of Aurora, Colorado received the Outstanding 9-1-1 Call Center Award. The Outstanding 9-1-1 Call Center Award honors a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for its excellence in key emergency communications areas ranging from the handling of emergency situations reported to 9-1-1 to the deployment and management of new technology. The City of Aurora Public Safety Communications Department has implemented a series of changes in training, operations, leadership development, and employee support. In doing so, the center has dramatically improved the quality of service offered by the call center.

George Heinrichs of Longmont, Colorado received the Industry Professional Award. The Industry Professional Award honors individuals in the commercial sector who make exceptional contributions towards the advancement of emergency 9-1-1 communications. George Heinrichs is the president and cofounder of Intrado, the nation's largest provider of emergency communications infrastructure and services, and is recognized as one of the 9-1-1 legends. During the course of his 30 year career, George has worked tirelessly as an advocate for the industry, particularly in regards to the development and implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1. Heinrichs is acutely aware of the need for government and industry leadership to keep 9-1-1 at the forefront of rapidly developing consumer telecommunications technology.