TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblyman Sean Kean’s bill designating 911 dispatchers as first responders unanimously passed the Assembly Thursday.
The bill (A3804) recognizes their work as life-saving and includes them in the first responder community with law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical professionals.
“They are the first, first responders that people contact during an emergency,” said Kean (R-Monmouth). “When people call for help, 911 dispatchers are their first point of contact, providing critical instructions to residents in crisis and protecting them until another emergency responder arrives at the scene. Their work is essential to providing an effective response in emergency situations. They have earned the title ‘911 first responder dispatcher.’”
An estimated 240 million calls are made to 911 in the United States each year. According to a 2019 report from the National 911 Program, New Jerseyans made more than 9 million calls to public safety call centers in one year.
A companion bill in the Senate (S1590) has been referred to the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.
More New Jersey News
- New Jersey Braces for Another Mini Heat Wave as Heat Advisory Lasts Through SaturdayMOUNT HOLLY, N.J. – Residents across much of New Jersey are facing another stretch of dangerous summer heat after the National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory covering large portions of the state through Saturday evening. The advisory, issued by the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, takes effect at 10 a.m. Thursday and
- NJ strips doctor of medical license after federal opioid convictionPain management physician permanently barred from practicing TRENTON, N.J. — A Gloucester County pain management physician convicted in federal court of unlawfully distributing controlled substances has permanently lost his New Jersey medical license, state officials announced. The New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners permanently revoked the medical license of Dr. Larry Pettis, who operated
- Jack Ciattarelli Joins Open Road Ventures After Three Campaigns for New Jersey GovernorToms River, NJ – Former New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli has accepted a new private-sector leadership role, joining Open Road Ventures as one of the first members of the company’s newly created Board of Advisors. The announcement comes after Ciattarelli’s three campaigns for governor made him one of New Jersey’s best-known Republican figures. Before
- His smile wins hearts but Haze is still waiting for someone to choose himPlayful 2-year-old shelter dog is ready for a forever home JACKSON, N.J. — Haze has the playful personality, the favorite toy and the big smile that shelter volunteers say people are looking for, but the 2-year-old dog is still waiting for a family to take him home. The Friends of Northern Ocean County Animal Facility
- After his best friend was adopted shelter pup was left behindAffectionate 7-year-old dog hopes for a family of his own JACKSON, N.J. — Hikaru watched his kennel mate find a forever home, but the 7-year-old dog is still waiting for someone to choose him at the Ocean County Animal Facility. According to the Friends of Northern Ocean County Animal Facility, Hikaru is affectionate, enjoys going
