Strengthening Homeland Defense Through 9-1-1 Advocacy: NENA Goes to Washington

By Jesse McCord, ENP, RPL

The role of 9-1-1 in homeland defense is often understated, yet emergency communications are a cornerstone of national security, public safety, and disaster response.

Recently, I had the privilege of traveling to Washington, DC, with peers to participate in NENA Goes to Washington. Representing the Shelby County 9-1-1 District, we joined approximately 20 Tennessee 9-1-1 professionals and nearly 200 public safety telecommunicators from across North America to advocate for legislative initiatives that directly impact our national security infrastructure.

9-1-1 as Critical Infrastructure

The ability of emergency communications centers (ECCs) to respond to threats—whether from cyberattacks, terrorism, or natural disasters—relies on robust, modern, and secure infrastructure. Our primary focus during this advocacy effort was securing legislative support for two vital initiatives:

• The 9-1-1 SAVES Act, which seeks to reclassify 9-1-1 professionals as Protective Service Occupations, acknowledging the essential role they play in national security and emergency response.
• A proposed bill to allocate FCC Spectrum Auction funds for Homeland Defense and Cybersecurity, ensuring that Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) is fully deployed nationwide with the latest cybersecurity measures.

The 9-1-1 SAVES Act: Elevating Telecommunicators as First Responders

The 9-1-1 SAVES Act is a bipartisan initiative sponsored by Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Representative Norma Torres (D-CA), and Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). This bill seeks to reclassify 9-1-1 professionals as Protective Service Occupations rather than clerical and administrative staff under the Office of Management and Budget’s Standard Occupational Classification System.

Why does this matter for homeland defense?

• Emergency communications professionals are a critical link in national security. They manage response coordination for terrorism threats, cyber incidents, and large-scale emergencies, often serving as the initial point of contact during crises.
• Reclassification ensures proper recognition and workforce investment. 9-1-1 centers struggle with retention, burnout, and funding shortfalls. Proper classification would enhance training, staffing, and professional development resources.
• It aligns with the protective service nature of the profession. Dispatchers work alongside law enforcement, fire, and EMS, making real-time decisions that directly impact public and responder safety.

FCC Spectrum Auction Funds for Cybersecurity and Homeland Defense

One of the most urgent topics during our advocacy meetings was the proposed $15 billion allocation from FCC Spectrum Auction revenues for Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) deployment. This bill, supported by Senators and Representatives on both sides of the aisle, aims to modernize emergency communications by incorporating advanced cybersecurity infrastructure and interoperable response networks across the nation.

How This Impacts Homeland Security

• Cyber Resilience: NG9-1-1 includes built-in cybersecurity protections, reducing vulnerabilities that malicious actors could exploit in emergency response networks.
• Improved Crisis Coordination: The ability to seamlessly transfer voice, text, video, and sensor data between agencies enhances situational awareness and decision-making during major incidents, such as terrorist attacks or large-scale disasters.
• Enhanced Data Integration: NG9-1-1 systems can incorporate information from national intelligence, fusion centers, and other security sources to improve response efforts.
• Faster and More Accurate Emergency Response: Upgrading to digital, IP-based infrastructure ensures accurate call routing and faster response times, which is crucial in homeland security incidents.

Engaging with Policymakers

During our time in Washington, we met directly with Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN) and Congressman Tim Burchett (R-TN) to discuss these critical issues. By providing firsthand accounts of the challenges faced by ECCs, we reinforced the importance of legislative action in securing the future of emergency communications. Additionally, we attended training sessions on effective advocacy strategies, equipping us with tools to continue pushing for federal support. These engagements highlighted the growing awareness of emergency communications as a national security issue and emphasized the need for continued dialogue between policymakers and public safety professionals.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening National Preparedness

The conversations we had at NENA Goes to Washington underscored a fundamental truth—a secure and resilient 9-1-1 system is a cornerstone of national defense. Moving forward, we must continue to:

• Advocate for federal recognition of 9-1-1 professionals as essential to public safety and homeland security.
• Push for dedicated funding for cybersecurity and technological advancements in emergency communications.
• Foster collaboration between emergency communications, intelligence, and defense agencies to enhance interoperability and preparedness.

By ensuring that our emergency communications infrastructure is fully funded, modernized, and protected, we take a proactive step in safeguarding our nation against emerging threats. This experience reaffirmed my commitment to advocating for a stronger 9-1-1 system—not just for public safety but as a vital element of homeland defense. The work does not stop here; it continues in every state, every jurisdiction, and every conversation we have with those who have the power to enact change.

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