This September, our country will recognize a solemn and unfortunate anniversary – 25 years since the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Many in our profession weren’t born yet or are too young to remember that day and those that followed. For others, such as myself, there are aspects of it we will never forget.

For those who worked in public safety communications on September 11, 2001, the date is more than a chapter in history. It is a shift marker in the evolution of our profession, measured not only by the tragedy that unfolded before the world, but by the profound transition it sparked within emergency communications centers (ECCs).

Amid a declared disaster that generated over 1,800 calls for service in just two hours handled by six on-duty telecommunicators, joined by leadership staff, every assisting 9-1-1 center responded with exceptional professionalism. Yet one neighboring telecommunicator’s actions rose above.