TENNESSEE EMERGENCY NUMBER ASSOCIATION

OUR ORGANIZATION

The Tennessee Emergency Number Association (TENA) is a not-for profit corporation which was established in 1985 following the passage of the Emergency Communications Act. The membership of TENA is comprised of public safety communications professionals representing the Emergency Communications District's throughout Tennessee. In addition, a number of individuals from commercial and industrial firms hold membership.

TENA is governed by a thirteen member Board of Directors who are elected for two-year terms at the organization's Annual Conference.

Our members are dedicated to making 9-1-1 and emergency communications work better.

We measure our success in the lives that are saved by 9-1-1 each day.

OUR MISSION

To foster the technological advancement, availability and implementation of a universal 9-1-1 emergency telephone system by promoting research, planning, training and education.

OUR OBJECTIVES

The protection of human life, the preservation of property and the support of general community security are TENA's main objectives. TENA serves as a unified voice and a source for networking for Emergency Communications Districts across the state. Acting as a unified organization to represent the interests of all districts statewide, TENA takes an active role in both legislative and operational concerns.

NEWS FROM TENA

2022-2023 TENA Board of Directors

L to R: Russell Freeman' Patricia Ledford; Mark Hutchison; Kim White; Shauna Atchison; Crystal Keys; Eric Carpenter; Rose White; Jeff Carney: Justin Crowther; Jimmy Long; James "Lynn" Thompson; Justin Whipple: Michael Spencer

It is time to update our roster once again!

If you are an agency that currently participates in TN TERT, we need your updated member information.

For more information on what is needed and how to submit, go to

TN-TERT or click here.

For more information as it becomes available, go to 2023 TENA Conference | tena911

NENA LAUNCHES WORKFORCE-RECRUITMENT RESOURCES TO HELP COMBAT THE 9-1-1 STAFFING CRISIS

NENA is proud to announce the launch of new workforce-recruitment resources to help 9-1-1 centers attract talent to the emergency-communications profession and address the 9-1-1 staffing crisis.

The four video PSAs – available for free to any 9-1-1 center or 9-1-1 authority – promote the rewarding and meaningful jobs available in the emergency-communications field; they can be used in recruiting and hiring efforts to reach candidates and educate them about the benefits of a career in 9-1-1. You can view and download the videos here.

"We are excited to launch these PSAs and share the passion of our dedicated 9-1-1 professionals with the public – and potential job seekers," said NENA CEO Brian Fontes. "Emergency communications offers a unique and fulfilling career path. We want to attract the best and brightest individuals to our profession, and these videos highlight how our first first responders make a huge difference in people’s lives."

The COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges have strained the 9-1-1 workforce and there is a need to expand and enhance recruitment and retention initiatives. Anecdotally, NENA is seeing a 30% staffing shortage on average at 9-1-1 centers across the nation; it is critical that these centers are fully staffed to help callers as quickly as possible in their times of need. With these videos, NENA is providing a valuable resource that any 9-1-1 center can use to reach those seeking an exciting, fulfilling career.

"A strong, committed, and diverse workforce is essential to providing the highest level of service to 9-1-1 callers," said NENA President Laurie Anderson, ENP. “These PSAs will help 9-1-1 ensure that we have the skilled and motivated employees needed to serve on the front lines of emergency response in every city, town, and community, 24/7/365."

NENA thanks Virtual Academy, CentralSquare, and GHC 9-1-1 for providing resources to help make these videos possible.

To view the videos, click here

WELLNESS CONTINUUM

The NENA Continuum initiative is a comprehensive approach to wellness in the 9-1-1 industry.

Go to NENA Wellness Continuum to learn more.

FOR MORE INFO ABOUT THESE EVENTS, CLICK ON EACH BANNER