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The first implementation of 911 was in Haleyville, Alabama in January 1968. Back then, the town had a population of about 4,500 and was serviced by the Alabama Telephone Company. Weeks before, Congress had declared that 911 should be the national emergency number. A debate broke out in Haleyville when trying to decide where to route the calls – to the police station? the fire department? the local hospital? Officials finally settled on the Haleyville Police Department and a special red telephone.
On February 16, 1968, the first 911 call was made by Alabama Speaker of the House, Rankin Fite, to Tom Bevill, a U.S. Representative where they exchanged greetings. The technology of 911 has changed over time, but Haleyville’s call proved the concept worked.
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