Today marks the birthday of one of the most important public safety tools in the United States — 9-1-1.
On February 16th, 1968, the first-ever 9-1-1 call was placed in Haleyville, Alabama, launching what would become the nation’s universal emergency number. The three-digit system was created to provide fast, simple access to emergency services through a single, easy-to-remember number.
The idea for a nationwide emergency number began taking shape in the late 1950s. In 1967, a presidential commission recommended establishing one single number for reporting emergencies, rather than separate numbers for police, fire, and medical assistance. Shortly after, AT&T announced that 9-1-1 would become the standard emergency code across the country.
The number was chosen because it was short, easy to dial, and had never been used as an area code or service number. Over the decades, 9-1-1 service expanded rapidly. By the end of the 20th century, the vast majority of the U.S. population had access to either basic or Enhanced 9-1-1 service, which allows dispatchers to see a caller’s phone number and location.
Here at home, 9-1-1 calls in Henry County are handled by the Henry County Dispatch Center, located within the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. The center is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Dispatchers serve as the critical link between the public and emergency responders, coordinating law enforcement, fire, and medical services throughout the county. Agencies dispatched include the Sheriff’s Office, the Mount Pleasant Police Department, New London Police Department, Wayland Police Department, and Winfield Police Department.
Fire and first responder agencies dispatched through the center include departments in Hillsboro, Mount Pleasant, Mount Union, New London, Trenton, Olds, Salem, Wayland, and Winfield, along with Henry County EMS.
Officials remind residents to call 9-1-1 only for emergencies — situations involving immediate danger to life, health, or property.
When calling 9-1-1:
- Stay calm and speak clearly.
- Give your exact location, including address, apartment number, or nearby landmarks.
- Explain what is happening and answer the dispatcher’s questions.
- Do not hang up until instructed to do so.
Even if you call from a cell phone, location information is not always exact, so clearly stating where you are is critical.
As 9-1-1 marks another year of service, it remains a vital lifeline connecting Henry County residents and people across the nation to help when they need it most.