More than five decades ago, a small North Alabama town changed emergency communications across the United States forever.
On Feb. 16, 1968, the nation’s first-ever 911 emergency call was placed in Haleyville, cementing the Winston County community’s place in American history and helping launch what would become the country’s universal emergency response system.
Today, that history remains a source of pride for Haleyville, which will once again celebrate the milestone with its annual 9-1-1 Festival on June 5-6 in downtown Haleyville.
The free, two-day event, hosted by the Haleyville Area Chamber of Commerce and the city, honors the town’s historic role in emergency communications while recognizing first responders, dispatchers, firefighters and law enforcement officers.
According to Alabama News Center, the push for a universal emergency number began nationally in the 1950s as fire chiefs and public safety leaders sought a faster, simpler way for Americans to report emergencies. Before then, residents often had to know separate local numbers for police departments, hospitals or fire stations.
After years of discussion, AT&T and the Federal Communications Commission designated 911 as the national emergency number in January 1968.
But it was Haleyville that raced ahead to make the concept reality.
The project was spearheaded by Bob Gallagher, president of Alabama Telephone Company, after he learned larger telephone providers were expected to implement the new system. According to Alabama News Center, Gallagher wanted independent phone companies to prove they could move quickly as well.
Engineers selected Haleyville for the launch site and reportedly built the system in less than a week.
At 2 p.m. on Feb. 16, 1968, then-Alabama House Speaker Rankin Fite placed the first 911 call from Haleyville City Hall. The call was answered by U.S. Rep. Tom Bevill at the Haleyville police station using a bright red telephone that remains on display at City Hall.
While the first call traveled only between rooms inside the same building, it proved the system worked and marked the beginning of modern emergency dispatching in America.
The annual festival now serves as both a celebration and remembrance of that achievement.
This year’s festival begins Friday, June 5, with live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, children’s activities and entertainment throughout downtown Haleyville. Performers include Colin Stough and country music headliner Aaron Tippin.
Saturday’s schedule includes a parade honoring alumni and first responders, along with a motorcycle show, classic car show, antique tractor show and additional live entertainment, including a performance by Freebird ATL.
Festival organizers said the event continues to attract thousands of visitors annually while highlighting Haleyville’s unique place in national history.
More information is available through the Haleyville Alabama 9-1-1 Festival Facebook page or by calling the Haleyville Area Chamber of Commerce.
