UPDATE: January 3, 2014
A very responsive FCC has heard the pleas behind this incident, and I will be meeting with Commissioner Ajit Pai on Friday January 10th in Washington to discuss this important issue. I am very pleased to see the continued responsiveness the FCC has demonstrated under new Chairman Tom Wheeler, and I look forward to providing guidance on this matter.
BE SURE TO NOTICE THE UPDATE AT THE END OF THIS BLOG POST
Nearly a month ago in a hotel room in Marshall Texas, the life of a vibrant young mother, and children of three, ended when her estranged husband murdered her, all in front of her children.
Quite simply, the oldest, who was nine years old, did exactly as she was taught to do. She reached for the phone and dialed 9-1-1. Tragically, that call never made it to the 9-1-1 center, And Kari Hunt's family has turned to social media and the Internet to gather support for a change. If you're looking for a good cause this New Year's holiday, be sure to check out the petition for Kari's Law on http://change.org.
In an effort to raise awareness, the following Open Letter letter was sent to FCC Chairperson Tom Wheeler, and FCC Commissioners Mignon Clyburn, Jessica Rosenworcel, Ajit Pai, and Michael O'Reilly.
As a New Year's resolution, I ask that all of you inquire about 9-1-1 behind the PBX where you work, and find out what level of compliance and safety that system affords you. Unfortunately, we don't get to pick when emergencies happen, and when they do our initial instinct is to dial 9-1-1. In order for that to be helpful, it needs to work.
I wish you and your families a joyous New Year celebration for 2014, and thank you for your continued support on public safety issues.