Missouri officially recognizes 911 dispatchers as first responders

Aug 07, 2023
| Posted in
Safety & Security
photo of Governor Parson signing Senate Bill 24 into law

A new law reclassifies public safety communications personnel as first responders, allowing them to access state-funded mental health resources.

They are the unsung heroes of public safety – the calm, steady voices who answer calls on our worst days. Today the state of Missouri officially recognizes 911 telecommunicators as equal to law enforcement and fire response personnel. 

Governor Mike Parson recently signed Senate Bill 24 into law giving dispatchers key status, reclassifying the position traditionally viewed as clerical to first responder. The new law also allows dispatchers to access state-funded mental health resources. 

Attendee at Senate Bill 24 signing ceremony in Springfield, Missouri.
Angela Rodgers from the Scott County 911 Emergency Service Board attends Senate Bill 24 signing ceremony.
Attendee at Senate Bill 24 signing ceremony in Springfield, Missouri.
Gov. Mike Parson signs bill that helps first responders access state funded mental health resources.

“911 dispatchers deal with life and death situations every day and are subject to trauma just as first responders out in the field. This law gives telecommunicators the recognition they deserve and allows call takers to access treatment for symptoms of PTSD.”

Jamie Taylor, President of the Missouri Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association (MONENA)

“Post-traumatic stress is very real in the life of a dispatcher, just as it is for other first responders. To have equal status with police, fire and EMS is well-deserved and a step in the right direction.”

Zachary Dykes, President of the Missouri Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (MOAPCO)

Missouri’s new law goes into effect August 28. The state of Kansas designated 911 dispatchers as first responders in 2021 after emergency call centers experienced COVID-related staffing shortages and an influx of 911 calls challenged capacity. 

To learn more about the public safety communications profession in Missouri, visit MONENA.org and MOAPCO.org.  For more information about the Kansas City Regional 911 System, visit the Mid-America Regional Council’s regional 911 system web page.

911 call centers are hiring


View these important opportunities at marc.org/PSAPjobs and share with your community. 

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