''9-1-1 Goes to Columbus'' Event on December 12th

In April, Victoria Eilerman, mother of Fort Loramie Mayor Philip Eilerman, was tragically murdered. She made three 9-1-1 calls to the Shelby County Sheriff's Office using her cell phone from the trunk of her abductor's car, however, authorities were unable to determine her location.

On Wednesday, December 12, 2007, 9-1-1 officials representing counties throughout the state will converge on The State Capitol to participate in the "9-1-1 Goes to Columbus" event - a series of briefings with state legislators on the status of efforts to secure funding for wireless E9-1-1 in Ohio. Reps. Larry Flowers and Steven Driehaus will introduce legislation to continue funding for wireless E9-1-1. At the press conference to follow, Mayor Eilerman, Victoria Eilerman's son and Fort Loramie Mayor,  will give a first-hand account of the importance of continuing wireless E9-1-1 funding.
 

Currently there is a "Sunset" provision in Section 4931.61 of the Revised Code. If not removed, this provision will result in Ohio's Wireless E9-1-1 funding source expiring on December 31, 2008, compromising the safety of Ohioans by making it more difficult for emergency responders to find them.

"The technology that could have helped emergency responders locate my mother must be available to Shelby County officials and officials statewide," said Mayor Eilerman. "Unless this sunset provision is removed, that simply will not happen."

"The ball is in our court at the statehouse to do what is best for Ohio's citizens," said Rep. Flowers. "At $3.84 per citizen, roughly the price of a Happy Meal at McDonald's, Ohioans can get the wireless 9-1-1 service they deserve."

 

About APCO

The Association of Public Safety Communications Officials International (APCO) is the world's oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to the enhancement of public safety communications. www.apcointl.org

 

About NENA

The National Emergency Number Association (NENA) mission is to foster the technological advancement, and implementation of a universal emergency telephone system. In carrying out its mission NENA promotes research, planning, training, and education. The protection of human life, the preservation of property and the maintenance of general community security are among NENA's objectives. www.nena.org

 

About the 9-1-1 Industry Alliance

The 9-1-1 Industry Alliance ("9IA") was established in December 2005 by a group of prominent industry leaders. The vision of the organization's founders is that 9IA will play an important role as the voice of industry companies on major public policy issues, and that the expertise of industry leaders can assist public policymakers and government emergency communications professionals as complex choices are made regarding advanced 9-1-1 alternatives in the years ahead. www.911alliance.org