ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - On May 6, 2015, Alachua County Fire Rescue E911/Communications Section Chief Keith Godwin was elected as the Florida National Emergency Number Association (NENA) 2nd Vice President. As The Voice of 9-1-1™, NENA is on the forefront of all emergency communications issues. The Association serves its members and the greater public safety community as the only professional organization solely focused on 911 policy, technology, operations, and education issues. With more than 9,000 members in 48 chapters across the United States and around the globe (382 members in the state of Florida), NENA promotes the implementation and awareness of 911, as well as international three-digit emergency communications systems.
NENA works with 911 professionals nationwide, public policy leaders, emergency services and telecommunications industry partners, like-minded public safety associations, and other stakeholder groups to develop and carry out critical programs and initiatives. This is to facilitate the creation of an IP-based Next Generation 911 system, and to establish industry leading standards, training, and certifications.
Mr. Godwin was instrumental in Alachua County becoming the second county in the state of Florida to accept text-to-911 messages. He is currently working to establish a Northeast Florida regional 911 emergency services network which will allow the receipt and transmit of essential 911 caller information such as latitude/longitude or civic address, service provider, calling party number, and class of service.
For more information, contact Alachua County E911/Communications Section Chief Keith Godwin at 352-338-7361 or kgodwin@alachuacounty.us.