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Currently, there is a bipartisan effort is underway to recognize the valuable work of our nation's 9-1-1 call-takers and dispatchers (collectively known as Public Safety Telecommunicators). The federal government currently classifies these occupations as administrative/clerical in nature, which is inaccurate and a disservice to the lifesaving work and dedication of these professionals. Congresswoman Norma Torres (D-CA) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) are seeking support for a bill that would fix the federal classification by appropriately grouping Public Safety Telecommunicators with other "Protective" occupations. I respectfully ask that you support the 9-1-1 SAVES Act, a simple zero-cost legislative fix. It's good governance, and it's a much-deserved recognition for the 100,000 Public Safety Telecommunicators in our country.
Every day, in 9-1-1 centers throughout the country, Public Safety Telecommunicators provide lifesaving emergency medical instruction, deal with suicidal persons, assess scene safety for arriving responders, and have a critical role for active shooter incidents, building collapse, officer down, firefighter maydays, and a variety of other emergencies. Reclassifying these professionals as Protective Service Occupations has broad support from the 9-1-1 community and others familiar with the lifesaving work of Public Safety Telecommunicators.
By way of background, federal agencies rely on the Standard Occupational Classification, a vast catalog of occupations, for statistical purposes. Occupations are supposed to be classified according to the nature of the work performed. However, the current version of the SOC categorizes Public Safety Telecommunicators in the group for secretaries, office clerks, and taxicab dispatchers. Public Safety Telecommunicators should be categorized as Protective Service Occupations, which includes a broad range of "protective" occupations: lifeguards, fish and game wardens, parking enforcement workers, firefighters, and playground monitors, among others. Reclassification is common sense, and about getting Public Safety Telecommunicators the recognition they deserve for the work they do every day to protect and save the lives of the public and first responders.
Please take a moment to click on the below link and let your representative know that you support the nation's 9-1-1 workers. Thank you.
http://www.votervoice.net/Shares/BK2ncAfpAChhPAmvxFU7FAA
https://binged.it/2Hi75u3
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