FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2025
Contact: Christopher Hundley
Email: christopher.hundley@seiu668.org
911 Workers Celebrated in Allegheny County During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
ALLEGHENY, PA – Today, local officials, labor leaders, and emergency services professionals gathered at the Allegheny County Emergency Services Building to honor Pennsylvania’s 9-1-1 telecommunicators during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
Hosted by Allegheny County Emergency Services, the event recognized the life-saving contributions of 9-1-1 workers, usually the first point of contact in an emergency. Speakers included Chief Matt Brown of Allegheny County Emergency Services, State Representative Jess Benham, State Senator Lindsey Williams, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, and longtime dispatcher Bart Heaney.
“This week is a dedicated time to truly appreciate the work that all of us do day in and day out,” said Bart Heaney, Telecommunications Officer. “We are the calm voice amidst the chaos and the rational mind in the moments of panic. I’m incredibly proud to stand by my peers, fellow dispatchers, and emergency responders.”
Attendees praised the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for unanimously passing House Bill 453 last week, a measure that would reclassify 9-1-1 telecommunicators as first responders under state law. The legislation now awaits action by the State Senate.
“I know the work 9-1-1 operators do,” said Representative Jess Benham, prime sponsor of House Bill 453. “Your work is important, and it matters and you deserve that recognition in law. That’s why this legislation is important.”
Held at the Allegheny County Emergency Services Building, the event was both a celebration and a call to action, underscoring the vital role 9-1-1 telecommunicators play in public safety across the Commonwealth.
“When people talk about first responders, they often live out the very first, the person who answers the phone,” said State Senator Lindsey Williams. “Even Pennsylvania law makes that mistake.”
The Allegheny County Council passed a resolution calling on the State Senate to pass HB453 as well. However, most of the speakers took their time to acknowledge the essential work of 9-1-1 professionals this week.
“It’s an honor to be here to honor the unseen backbone of public safety, our telecommunication workers who make this facility run each and every day,” said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. “You’re there, you’re the calming voice, you have to coordinate with the hundreds of other first responders across the county. You’re making sure that people get the help they need at that moment.”
SEIU Local 668 proudly represents 9-1-1 professionals and other public service workers across Pennsylvania.
