Proclamations laud work of county 911 center
BUTLER TWP — Grateful elected officials on Friday lauded the county's 911 center for being selected as the Butler County Chamber of Commerce's 2021 Community Champion for 51 years of service to the county.
The county commissioners; state Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-21st; state Rep. Marci Mustello, R-11th; and John Fazio, who represented U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th, all presented proclamations to Steve Bicehouse, director of Butler County Emergency Services and Annabel Brunermer, who in 1968 urged local officials to institute a 911 center in the county after reading an article in the Reader's Digest on the, then, new 911 concept.
Keith Graham, chamber president, kicked off the plaudits at the Community Champion luncheon, which was held Friday at the Sunnyview complex.
“Oftentimes we refer to an individual, a business or an organization that works tirelessly in service to others as 'working 24/7,'” Graham said. “In the case of Butler County 911, it is not an exaggeration, but a true statement. Thank you for being there for us in our most vulnerable moments.”
Mustello said her family was grateful for the efficiency of 911 dispatchers in September 2012, when her home caught fire.
Thanks to the quick response of firefighters, her dog and much of the structure was saved.
“It's good to know we have people like you dedicated to this,” Mustello said.
Those of a certain age at the luncheon had a laugh when Mustello said she was born the same year the 911 system first became available.
“Thank you on behalf of the community and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives,” Mustello said.
Leslie Osche, county commissioners chairwoman, read a proclamation for Brunermer from all three commissioners for planting the seed 51 years ago that became today's high-tech, efficient 911 system.
“Never doubt how one person can make a difference,” Osche said.
Commissioner Kim Geyer then presented Brunermer, who was president of the GFWC Intermediate League of Butler when the idea for 911 was formed, with a bouquet of colorful fall flowers.Osche said when emergency responders are discussed, 911 dispatchers should not be left out of the conversation.She said residents and first responders who find themselves in dire situations rely on the voice on the other end of the phone.“We are very grateful to have our dispatchers,” Osche said.Hutchinson recalled learning of the 911 concept as a child in Venango County while watching the 1970s television drama “Emergency” with his father.“I asked my Dad, what is this 911?” Hutchinson said.He said his father's efforts as a Venango County commissioner to get a 911 system in that county were finally successful in the 1990s.“I remember him saying 'Butler County has had it for more than 20 years!'” Hutchinson said.He presented Bicehouse with a proclamation from the state Senate that lauded the Butler County 911 center for its years of dedication.“Thank you for your continued service and continued leadership for the folks here in Butler County,” Hutchinson said.Fazio said Kelly regretted not being able to attend the luncheon Friday.“But he would like to honor and applaud you for (51) years of unwavering dedication to our community,” Fazio said.
