By Leila Merrill
WASHINGTON — Brian Tegtmeyer, ENP, began serving as the National 911 program coordinator on Monday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Emergency Medical Services announced in a news release.
Tegtmeyer has more than 26 years of experience in public safety communications. He began his career as a dispatcher at Hazel Crest Illinois Police Department and served in various leadership roles in 911 systems before taking on his most recent position as executive director of DuPage Public Safety Communications in 2007.
Tegtmeyer has taught public safety telecommunicator courses for more than a decade. He has also been an active member of public safety organizations, such as the National Emergency Number Association and the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials.
“NHTSA’s long-term commitment to supporting 911 systems continues with the selection of Brian as the new coordinator for the National 911 Program,” said Gam Wijetunge, director of the Office of EMS. “His deep knowledge of 911 systems and history of working within the 911 community, at a state, regional and national level is the experience needed to collaborate on updating and improving 911 across the nation.”
Tegtmeyer said that next generation 911 is the future of public safety communications.
“This evolution will impact every aspect of a communications center from the technology to operations to our most valuable resource — our telecommunicators,” said Tegtmeyer. “I am excited to join the National 911 Program’s efforts to help state and local 911 systems provide optimal 911 services to their communities.”