Hollywood Celeb Helps Energize NENA Fundraising

Actress Halle Berry, who plays a 9-1-1 calltaker in the new film “The Call,” poses with Los Angeles Police Department 9-1-1 personnel who helped her prepare for the role (l. to r.):  Liz Montgomery, Maria Moreno, Berry, Yolanda Arroyo, and Gilbert Najar. (courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.)

The star of the movie “The Call” mingled with Los Angeles Police Department public safety dispatchers and officials of the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) last Wednesday during a gala for a national fund-raising campaign to benefit training and public education programs. Halle Berry, who portrayed a call-taker in the feature-length movie, said that like many people, she was unaware of the scope of a dispatcher’s job. “I had no idea what you do,” she said. “But after seeing the vastness of it, I wanted to honor you in this role. And I want the world to know you are the unsung heroes of this city and every community in America.” Berry spoke at a special screening of the movie, attended by 180 LAPD comm center personnel and NENA officials. To prepare for the role Berry visited the LAPD comm center and worked with four experienced dispatchers. The movie was actually filmed in a two-level movie set constructed in the LA area. NENA CEO Brian Fontes thanked Berry and the film company at the event. “We are so grateful to Ms. Berry, Sony Pictures, and the entire team involved in this film for their support,” he said. NENA’s “Friends of 9-1-1” program is a non-profit organization that funds 911 career training programs, including special outreach to military service veterans, high school, junior college, and vocational students. The program also includes scholarships, continuing education, and career advancement opportunities for current 911 professionals, NENA says.