Smart911 Announces Third Annual Smart Telecommunicator Awards to Recognize 9-1-1 Call-Takers

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., Feb. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Rave Mobile Safety, the trusted software partner for campus and public safety, announced today that nominations are now being accepted for the third annual Smart Telecommunicator Awards. In support of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, held annually in April, the awards program recognizes 9-1-1 call-takers and dispatchers from across the U.S who have demonstrated superb leadership, performance, compassion for callers, ability to inspire co-workers and overall contributions to their Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs).

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130220/MM63735LOGO)

Individuals are encouraged to nominate 9-1-1 call-takers or dispatchers they feel fulfill these requirements at www.smart911.com/STA through March 21. On March 31, finalist nominations will be posted online, kicking off a public vote that will run through April 4. Smart911 will then name a national winner during National Telecommunicators Week, April 13-19, making a donation of $1000 to the charity of the winner's choice. Four regional honorees will also receive awards, along with a $500 donation to the charities of their choosing.

The Smart Telecommunicator Awards was created, and is sponsored, by Rave Mobile Safety's Smart911, the national public safety service, in order to highlight the critical public safety role telecommunicators play. It is conducted in partnership with the Industry Council for Emergency Response Technologies (iCERT) and the Denise Amber Lee Foundation.

The 2013 national Smart Telecommunicator was Robert Nute of Newtown Emergency Communications, Conn., who received the first call that there was a gunman at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Nute and his team answered more than 150 calls per hour, coordinating an incredibly complex and dynamic field response by dispatching police, fire and EMS units. Upon receiving the honor, Nute noted: "We did our jobs. Any other dispatch center would have done the same thing." In addition to his telecommunicator duties, Nute is the Center's communications training officer, possesses extensive expertise in firefighting and serves as an adjunct instructor of Fire Science at a local community college.

"Last year's national winner was a prime example of how at any moment a telecommunicator can be called upon to ensure citizens get the help they need, when they need it, no matter how demanding the situation," said Tom Axbey, CEO of Rave Mobile Safety. "Every day, telecommunicators across the country work long hours, answer life-impacting calls and mitigate stressful situations. They are that first, vital link to effective emergency response, and as such, we want everyone to have an opportunity to recognize the positive impact they have on the individuals and communities they serve."

Smart911 allows citizens to create a Safety Profile online for their household that includes information they want 9-1-1 and response teams to have during an emergency. When a citizen makes an emergency call, their Safety Profile is automatically displayed to the 9-1-1 call taker, allowing them to send the right response teams to the right location with the right information. Fire crews can be aware of such things as how many people live at a home and the location of bedrooms. EMS can know about specific conditions for fast, precise medical treatment. And because profiles can contain photos, in the event of a missing child, police can gain an advantage, receiving critical information in seconds versus hours.   

Introduced nearly three years ago by Rave Mobile Safety, the most trusted software partner for campus and public safety, Smart911 has been adopted in 33 states and more than 450 municipalities. It has been credited with positively impacting emergency situations across the U.S., including a missing child case in Arkansas, victims of heart attack and Epilepsy in Nashville, a domestic disturbance in DuPage County (Ill.) and more.

About Rave Mobile Safety 


Rave Mobile Safety is the most trusted software partner for campus and public safety. Used by leading institutes of higher education and state and local agencies, the award-winning portfolio of Rave SafeCampus, Rave Alert, Rave Guardian, Eyewitness, Smart911 and SmartPrepare enables millions to feel safe, secure and connected. Rave Mobile Safety is headquartered in Framingham, MA. For more information, please visit http://www.ravemobilesafety.com.

Media Contact:
Marty Querzoli
Davies Murphy Group
[email protected]
(781) 418-2433

SOURCE Rave Mobile Safety