History of 911

The first implementation of 911 was in Haleyville, Alabama in January 1968. Back then, the town had a population of about 4,500 and was serviced by the Alabama Telephone Company. Weeks before, Congress had declared that 911 should be the national emergency number. A debate broke out in Haleyville when trying to decide where to route the calls – to the police station? the fire department? the local hospital?  Officials finally settled on the Haleyville Police Department and a special red telephone.

On February 16, 1968, the first 911 call was made by Alabama Speaker of the House, Rankin Fite, to Tom Bevill, a U.S. Representative where they exchanged greetings. The technology of 911 has changed over time, but Haleyville’s call proved the concept worked.