Press Release
For immediate release
August 11, 2003
State Treasurer Tim Berry Receives National Award
State's Chief Financial Officer is recognized as a Leader of Wireless 911 Efforts
Indianapolis, Indiana - The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials ( APCO) honored Indiana State Treasurer Tim Berry with the Presidents Award for his outstanding leadership in promoting safety for Hoosiers today during the organization's Annual Conference in Indianapolis today. APCO is the world's oldest and largest not-for-profit professional organization dedicated to the enhancement of public safety communications.
Treasurer Berry serves as the chairman of the Indiana Wireless Enhanced 911 Advisory Board, and has positioned Indiana as a leader in the implementation of Wireless E911 Technology. Berry 's leadership has created partnerships that have implemented the use of life saving technology through his work with wireless carriers and local public safety communications officials.
Berry received the award stating, "We are proud of our accomplishments and excited about the progress we are making in Indiana . It is our goal to ensure that 911 emergency dispatchers can locate wireless phone users everywhere so that help can arrive quickly." Berry continued, " Indiana is in front of the pack, yet there is still a great deal of work to be completed."
In the last year, Berry held press conferences across Indiana as part of a consumer education campaign notifying consumers that their wireless phone may not be as safe as they may think. Berry 's office also launched http://www.911coverage.org/which provides visitors with detailed information about their individual service plan. This valuable resource allows consumers to make an informed choice when buying a new phone or changing service providers.
Earlier this year, Treasurer Berry also met with the new Congressional committee designated to review the wireless industry and wireless E911 implementation regulations. Most recently, Berry partnered with the American Heart Association and two-time Indy Racing League defending champion Sam Hornish Jr. to produce statewide radio spots informing listeners about the resources on www.911coverage.org.
Other well known personalities participating in the conference were ABC correspondent Sam Donaldson and FCC Chairman Michael Powell. For more conference information, visit APCO's website at http://www.apco911.org/conferences.
