911 History

9-1-1 began as Public Act 123 in 1975
as a service to the public safety.

The ability to dial a single number to report emergencies was first used in Great Britain, in 1937.

The British could dial 999 to call for police, medical or fire departments, from anywhere in the country.

In 1958, the American Congress first investigated a universal emergency number for the United States and finally passed the legal mandate in 1967.

The very first American 911 call was placed on February 16, 1968 in Haleyville, Alabama made by Alabama Speaker of the House, Rankin Fite and answered by Congressman Tom Bevill.

Robert (Bob) Fitzgerald - Inside State Plant Manager. Designed and engineered the needed circuitry for the first U.S. 911 system.

Livingston County Michigan Central Dispatch

300 S. Highlander Way Howell, MI 48843
Phone 517.546.4620 FAX 517.546.5008