HOUSE RESOLUTION 21

(By Delegates Byrd and Pushkin)

[Introduced March 7, 2020]

Recognizing 911 Dispatchers as First Responders.

Whereas, 911 Dispatchers play a critical role in responding to emergencies; and

Whereas, The work 911 Dispatchers perform goes far beyond merely relaying lifesaving information between the public and first responders; and

Whereas, When responding to reports of missing, abducted, and sexually exploited children, the information obtained along with the actions taken by 911 Dispatchers form the foundation for an effective response in an environment that is time sensitive; and

Whereas, 911 Dispatchers often serve as the first point of contact during traumatic events, it is the skills 911 Dispatchers that can prevent a situation from escalating; and

Whereas, During certain situations, such as an active shooter incident, 911 Dispatchers coach callers through the administration of first aid and provide lifesaving information to prevent the repetition and escalation of further harm, all while collecting vital information to provide situational awareness for responding agencies; and

Whereas, Police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians rely on 911 Dispatchers as a lifeline when they are under threat from violence; and

Whereas, 911 Dispatchers often communicate with people who are in great distress, harm, fear, or injury, while employing their experience and training to recognize a critical piece of information; and

Whereas, There are incidents in which 911 Dispatchers, recognizing the sound of a racked gunshot, have prevented serious harm or death of law enforcement officers who would have otherwise walked into a trap; and

Whereas, The work of 911 Dispatchers is extremely emotional and a physical impact that is compound by long hours and the around-the-clock nature of the job; and

Whereas, Research has suggested that 911 Dispatchers are exposed to trauma that may lead to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder; and

Whereas, Several West Virginia counties have formally recognized 911 Dispatchers as First Responders through the adoption of resolutions; and

Whereas, The designation of First Responder accurately reflects the role these heroes play in responding to emergencies; and

Whereas, The members of the House of Delegates are extremely thankful for the work performed by 911 Dispatchers; therefore, be it,

Resolved by the House of Delegates:

That the House of Delegates hereby recognizes 911 Dispatchers as First Responders in honor of the lifesaving, heroic, admirable services that they provide to the people of West Virginia daily; and be it,

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates forward a copy of this resolution to the Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety and to each of the state, county, and municipal 911 systems in West Virginia.