Alexandria, Va. –Yesterday the York-Poquoson-Williamsburg Emergency Communications Center in Virginia launched a first-office application of text-to-9-1-1 service with Verizon Wireless and TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS).  APCO President Terry Hall, who also serves as the Chief of Emergency Communications for the combined emergency call center, was joined at the announcement by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Public Safety Bureau Chief David Turetsky and Deputy Chief David Furth, as well as officials from Verizon Wireless, TCS, Cassidian and Motorola.

The communications center worked closely with Verizon Wireless and TCS to offer short message service (SMS) text-to-9-1-1 capability to seek emergency assistance when making a voice call to 9-1-1 is not an option.  This service will be available to Verizon Wireless customers within range of a York County, Poquoson, or Williamsburg cell tower. 

“I cannot stress the importance of offering text-to-9-1-1 services, particularly for those unable to make a voice call,” said Terry Hall. He continued “I had a terrific team and congratulate them in their hard work to make this a reality.”

The York County text-to-9-1-1 deployment is the first in the nation to use the Verizon Wireless solution, and will serve as model for other PSAPs across the country.

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APCO International is the world’s largest organization of public safety communications professionals.  It serves the needs of public safety communications practitioners worldwide – and the welfare of the general public as a whole – by providing complete expertise, professional development, technical assistance, advocacy and outreach.