Rea Washington

This special feature highlights NENA members from various backgrounds, industry segments, experiences, and geographic locations. It offers members an opportunity to share their stories with their colleagues and the greater NENA community. Email NENA Member Services Director Bri Robinson if we should feature you or someone you know.

NENA: Tell us a little bit about who you are, where you’re from, what you do, and your history with NENA....

Rea Washington: Ask any military brat where they are from and we’re usually stumped on how to exactly answer that question. I grew up living in various places around the world following my father from Army base to Army base until he retired. I currently reside in Arkansas and work for the Ark-Tex Council of Governments as the 9-1-1 Operations Coordinator where I aid in all phases of 9-1-1 program implementation, maintenance and overall coordination for a nine county region.

I became a member of NENA in 2012 to learn more about the 9-1-1 industry and the future of Emergency Communications and was immediately impressed with the leadership, support and resources the association offers to its members. I’ve attended the last two NENA Development Conferences and several state and national NENA Conferences. I also contribute by volunteering and participating in NENA work groups.

NENA: What does 9-1-1 mean to you?

RW: If I would have been asked this question just 10 years ago I would’ve said, "9-1-1 is the number to dial when you need help!" Now it means so much more; 9-1-1 is every single network and its components and every single role that is dedicated to ensuring that the call for help is answered.

Click here to read the rest of our interview with Rea...