Recently, in Massachusetts, its government leaders discovered that the statewide 9-1-1 emergency system was down.  A scramble ensued to handle the crisis.  About 7 million people went for almost two hours with no 91-1 service.  Unfortunately, such crashes have become more commonplace over the recent years as long needed upgrades to the system have been stalled in Congress.  Outages hit eight states this year.  Begun in 1968, there are wide disparities in capabilities and funding of the system.  While I think it’s fair to say few of us imagine a world where an emergency occurs and 9-1-1 is not available to call.  It’s like turning on your faucet and water not coming out.  Organizations like National Emergency Number Association(NENA)have been working tirelessly, in the recent period, to get funding for Next Generation 9-1-1 and for the reclassification of 9-1-1 professionals as part of a “public safety occupation”.  To explain the complexities and struggles of today’s 9-1-1 system are Brian Fontes, NENA’s chief executive officer, and April Heinze, NENA vice president and  chief of 9-1-1 operations.