911 professionals aren’t considered first responders — Congress should change that

In 2019, Tim Teneyck, an Ohio resident, answered a 911 call from someone ordering a pizza. 

“This is the wrong number to call for pizza,” Teneyck responded. 

“No, no, no,” the voice on the line said. “You’re not understanding.”

Within seconds, Teneyck understood completely. Under the ruse of ordering a large pie with pepperoni, the caller was actually reporting a domestic violence incident. By cracking the code, Teneyck got the information necessary to facilitate an immediate and safe response. 

About 450 calls are placed to 911 every minute in our country. As a researcher who has traced the nearly 60-year history of America’s 911 system, I have learned firsthand that 911 professionals like Teneyck are the ultimate first responders, saving lives and protecting health every day. But under federal labor law, they are improperly regarded as administrative workers. 

The Senate has approved legislation that would reclassify 911 professionals as “protective service personnel,” a critically important reflection of their roles in our emergency response system. Taking this step should be a priority for Congress before this session ends.  

The term “first responders” typically conjures images of police officers or firefighters racing toward danger, not individuals quietly answering phone calls. But while their locations may be safe, their jobs are anything but.  

Nearly half (48 percent) of 911 professionals report taking calls involving kidnappings or hostages. Forty-two percent have dealt with nonaccidental deaths and 37 percent have been exposed to situations involving serious assaults. Three in 10 have fielded calls regarding a suicide. When mass shootings happen,........

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