Lieder Legislation to Recognize 911 Operators as First Responders Moves Forward

DENVER, CO –  The House today advanced bipartisan legislation on a preliminary vote to recognize emergency communications specialists, also known as 911 operators, as first responders. 

“We’re one step closer to securing first responder recognition for our deserving 911 operators,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton. “This important bipartisan legislation would reclassify 911 operators as first responders because of the critical role they play in keeping our communities safe. 911 operators are the first ones to connect with a person in crisis, and this bill recognizes them as skilled first responders who streamline public safety in every community across Colorado.” 

HB24-1016, sponsored by Representative Sheila Lieder and Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, would define emergency communications specialists as first responders. Specifically, this would include emergency communications specialists who receive, triage, process, transmit or dispatch emergency and non-emergency 911 calls for public safety services. 

This also includes those emergency communications specialists who provide resources to field responders or emergency medical dispatch.