January 30, 2009

The New York State 911 Coordinators Association and the State Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) is asking the New York State Legislature for its help in re-alignment of the New York State 911 Board which will ensure 9-1-1 centers across the state are prepared to meet the challenges they will face with the arrival of new and emerging technologies.

These state associations, made up of 9-1-1 Center professionals and related professions across New York State, have released a Position Paper titled “Position Paper Regarding the Re-alignment of the New York State 911 Board.”

“The service provided by the local Public Safety Answering Point is essential to the safety and security of every person living and traveling through this state. It is imperative that governance over this activity evolve to meet these new challenges” says Michael Allen, President of the New York State Chapter of NENA and E-911 Program Coordinator for Oswego County.

“With the creation of a State E-911 office, and the re-alignment of the 911 board, a more coordinated effort to address issues facing New York State 911 Centers will be accomplished” says John Merklinger, President of the state 911 Coordinators Association.

The Position Paper also sites:

• The need to establish the Office of New York State Coordinator for Enhanced 911 Services.
  
  
• The Advisory Board to include officers of the New York State 911 Coordinators Association, Officers of the New York State Chapter of NENA, and Regional representatives of APCO and County PSAP's, and representatives of the State Sheriffs, Fire and EMS Associations.
  
  
• The Office of New York State Coordinator for Enhanced 911 Services to work within the Department of State as an independent authority.

For more information, or a copy of the “Position Paper Regarding Re-alignment of the New York State 911 Board” contact Michael Allen, President New York State Chapter NENA at 315-349-8215 or John Merklinger, President New York State 911 Coordinators Association at 585-528-2207.