a. There are over 6,000 public safety call centers, known as public safety answering points, in the United States.

b. Public safety communications professionals dedicate their lives to helping others by performing work that goes far beyond merely relaying information between the public and first responders.

c. In times of crises, the information collected and actions taken by public safety communications professionals form the foundation for an effective response by law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and emergency medical service professionals.

d. Public safety communications professionals are an important part of the first responder community that provides immediate assistance to crime and disaster victims.

e. Accordingly, it is altogether fitting and proper to recognize the role of public safety communications professionals, including 9-1-1 dispatchers or operators, as emergency response personnel by designating them as 9-1-1 first responder dispatchers.

L.2021, c.447, s.2.