9-1-1 Songs, Catchy Tunes that Educate and Boost Morale

Throughout the United States, songs have been written to commemorate or pay tribute to the 9-1-1 community. These songs not only have an impact on the 9-1-1 community, but the public as well due to their recognition of unspoken heroes including fireman, police and 9-1-1 call-takers, to name a few.

Trish Murphy located in Austin, Texas created the Cell Phone Sally song for the video “9-1-1: Getting Help is Easy”. Trish explains that she got the inspiration for the 9-1-1 song from thinking of her childhood and growing up with Sesame Street and PBS.

Trish was instrumental in creating the 9-1-1 song and helping the 9-1-1 community get information out to younger generations in a fun informative way that is both catchy and memorable.

“I hope this generation of youths will grow up with that song in their heads and have the information handy if they ever need it,” Trish said.

Trish collaborated on the song with her brother and together they created the lyrics, song structure and tune. While Trish sings, her brother plays all the instruments, a total of 10 that are utilized in the song. The song, which is both well received by both children and adults alike, is not only catchy but fun to listen to as well. Trish has also collaborated with her brother on another song for a cause.

“I’ve worked with my brother singing some cool pieces he’s written for academic use in Texas,” Trish said. “It’s incredible how he can make the laws of geometry singable!”

The Cell Phone Sally tune is not the only 9-1-1 song that has made an impact in the 9­-1-1 community. A song called Everyday Heroes is a tribute song to first responders composed in 2010 by Dave Carroll who himself was a volunteer firefighter. Another 9-1-1 song called Lifeline is a tribute song to 9-1-1 call takers written by Houstonite Robert Smith whose uncle was a 9-1-1 supervisor.

Whether you are a parent, teacher, or public educator, using these 9-1-1 songs to help educate the public is undeniably a great tool. What better way to make a difference than by creating a catchy tune that will stay with the public for years to come?

The Commission on State Emergency Communications and 911safety.org are making available for download the song “9-1-1: Getting Help is Easy.” Both the English and the Spanish versions are available at: http://www.csec.texas.gov/educational-resources/kids-resources/911-public-education