WHEREAS 25 years ago, a new era of providing emergency service was begun in with (sic) the creation of the Emergency 911 service; and

WHEREAS, the first Emergency 911 service in the nation was developed by the independent Alabama Telephone Company, a member of the Continental Systems; and

WHEREAS, Robert E. Fitzgerald, then equipment manager of the Central Office, assisted with the first operational Emergency 911 system in the nation in Haleyville, Alabama; and

WHEREAS, the service was initiated on Friday, February 16, 1968, with a demonstration call from Alabama Representative Rankin Fite of Hamilton, Alabama, at Haleyville's City Hall, and the call was answered by U.S. Representative Tom Bevill of Jasper, at Haleyville's Police Department; and

WHEREAS, the town of Haleyville is to be recognized for its role in the historic beginning of this service; and

WHEREAS, this historic call began service that now serves the nation and has saved thousands of lives during the past 25 years; and

WHEREAS, numerous men and women across the state of Alabama have conscientiously answered thousands of emergency calls during the past 25 years and provided fast assistance and needed assurance to victims of accidents, crime and illness; and

WHEREAS, Robert E. Fitzgerald is to be commended for his dedication to the planning and important work which facilitated the beginning of this most vital service;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Guy Hunt, Governor of the State of Alabama, do hereby issue this Certificate of Commendation to

in recognition of his dedication and service to the Emergency 911 service.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND, and the Great Seal of the Governor's Office at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on this the 4th day of April, 1993.