Silent Key: Carla A. Anderson in Memoriam
We are saddened to share news of the passing of Carla A. Anderson, 52, Deputy Director of the NG9-1-1 Institute. Those close to her report that Carla had been admitted to the hospital within the past month with an infection and was showing signs of recovery until a very unexpected turn for the worse. Anderson died July 23, 2013, from complications related to her illness.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 27, in Center, N.D. Carla’s family has established a memorial for her. In lieu of sending flowers, the family asks that well-wishers provide a donation to the Oliver County Ambulance Squad (P.O. Box 164, Center, ND 58530). You can also sign the online guest book at www.buehlerlarson.com.
According to her obituary in the Bismarck Tribune, Carla began her medical career at Square Butte Health Clinic and was later transferred to the Medcenter Hospital. She received state and national honors for her pioneering work with telemedicine and for the Veterans Administration. She entered the telecommunications industry in 2002 working for a Bismarck-based mobile communications company, and most recently served at the not-for-profit NG9-1-1 Institute where she worked to advance Next Generation 9-1-1 services nationally. Carla played an important role in the passage and enactment of some of the most important pieces of legislation passed by Congress to advance 9-1-1 over the past ten years.
Carla married her husband Tracy Anderson in 1978, and they had three sons, Brandon, Alex and Andrew. In addition to the family business, Anderson Custom Cabinets Shop, Carla was very involved in her community, volunteering for local schools, church and clinics. Friends say she was well known for her positive attitude and boundless energy. When she wasn’t working or volunteering, you could find her at home tending to her family, yard and horses.
In a statement for Congressional Record, NextGen Congressional Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Anna Eshoo said:
“Throughout the years, Carla worked tirelessly to help the Caucus raise awareness of 9-1-1, develop and pass legislation to support the transition to NG9-1-1, and make 9-1-1 a national priority. No one in our country did more to promote 9-1-1 education. Carla was instrumental in creating a coalition of national public safety and industry organizations to come together to promote 9-1-1 education.
Carla’s dedication and enthusiasm to advance 9-1-1 and promote public safety was unmatched. Her impact has been felt not only throughout the United States, but internationally as well. Her smile and positive demeanor brought cheer and enthusiasm to everyone she touched and she will be missed by all those who have had the privilege of working with her. The 9-1-1 community has lost one of its greatest and most prominent champions.”
The Board of Directors of the NG9-1-1 Institute has offered their deepest condolences and sympathies to Carla’s family, friends and professional acquaintances in North Dakota, Washington, D.C., and around the world. Carla not only made a difference in national 9-1-1 technology, but also in international emergency communications through her work with the European Emergency Number Association and in telemedicine.
Carla made significant contributions to the education and outreach mission of the NG9-1-1 Institute over many years and she will be sorely missed.