Governor Perdue Recognizes 9-1-1 Professionals, Young Heroes

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue today honored 9-1-1 professionals and three young 9-1-1 heroes from around the state today, proclaiming 9-1-1 Day in Georgia. The annual ceremony recognizes the dedication and contributions of approximately 2,500 professionals who operate local and regional 9-1-1 centers throughout Georgia.

“When emergencies occur, minutes and sometimes even seconds can mean the difference between life and death," said Governor Perdue. "I am honored to recognize the state’s 9-1-1 professionals who save lives every day, and say 'thank you' for a job well done.”

The program also recognizes children from across the state who successfully used 9-1-1 during the past year to save a life in an emergency.  This year's 9-1-1 Heroes are: 9-year-old Tristan Livingston of Forsyth County; 9-year-old Kayla Thurmond of Forsyth County; and 10-year-old Jacob Thomson of Houston County.

“9-1-1 is critically important," says Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security Director Charley English. "We are grateful to the extraordinary people who work the phones every day with no margin for error. We also are proud to recognize these fine young people who used the system to save lives.”

Access to 9-1-1 in Georgia has been greatly improved in recent years. In early 2004, only 121 counties had enhanced 9-1-1 services that allowed dispatchers and calltakers to identify the location of a call. Today, 154 counties either have, or are implementing, enhanced 9-1-1 service.

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