10/24/2026
🚨 **A MAJOR WIN FOR PENNSYLVANIA'S PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNITY!** 🚨
Fetters Mill Fire Rescue proudly recognizes the signing of **Pennsylvania Act 66 of 2026**, legislation that formally recognizes 9-1-1 telecommunicators as emergency responders.
Every emergency response begins with a call for help. The men and women answering those calls are often the first point of contact during someone's worst day. They gather critical information, provide lifesaving instructions, coordinate responding resources, and remain the calm voice on the other end of the line.
**Act 66 delivers important benefits, including:**
📞 **Official Recognition:** Formally includes 9-1-1 telecommunicators in Pennsylvania's legal definition of emergency responders.
🧠 **Mental Health Support:** Expands access to the state's Emergency Responder Mental Wellness and Stress Management Program, recognizing the emotional toll of handling traumatic calls and critical incidents.
🤝 **Stronger Emergency Response Coordination:** Recognizes telecommunicators' essential role in emergency management and authorized mutual aid.
❤️ **Recognition of the People Behind the Headset:** Acknowledges the dedication and sacrifices of the professionals who help save lives without ever leaving the communications center.
⚖️ **Additional Public Safety Provisions:** The legislation also addresses benefits for surviving family members of fallen municipal law enforcement officers and includes other changes affecting Pennsylvania's emergency services system.
This legislation is an important step toward ensuring that those who help coordinate emergency responses receive the recognition and support they deserve.
From everyone at Fetters Mill Fire Rescue, **thank you to Pennsylvania's 9-1-1 telecommunicators** for being the calm voice in a crisis, the critical link between those in need and those responding, and an indispensable part of our public safety family.
Congratulations to everyone who worked to make this legislation a reality!
