Haley Stevens: “911 calls are a lifeline for those in danger and essential for our public safety personnel to respond quickly to…”

“911 calls are a lifeline for those in danger and essential for our public safety personnel to respond quickly to emergencies. Public safety communications are a priority for Senator Inouye and myself as we work together on the Commerce Committee. In 1967, the President's Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice recommended that a single number be established to report emergency situations. AT&T established 911 as the emergency code throughout the United States. I come to the Senate today to speak about one of my constituents, a 4-year-old named Tony Sharpe. He is a preschooler in North Pole, AK. When his mother collapsed and lost consciousness during a gallbladder attack, Tony knew to call 911 because his grandmother had sent him a children's book called, ``It's Time To Call 911: What To Do in an Emergency.'' Tony called 911 and his mother received emergency medical help. Tony proves that proper education about 911 can help save lives. As a matter of fact, Tony, again, in another emergency, his mother had called 911 when they lived at another location. Once again, he had the privilege of helping his mother. This week I had the honor of presenting the E-911 Institute's Citizen in Action Award to Tony. He sets a fine example for young people throughout the country and Alaskans are very proud of him.”