Strange Alabama- Bob Gallagher

If you've ever had to call 911 for help, you can thank Alabama native Bob Gallagher.

As early as 1937, the British were able to dial 999 in order to receive fast and easy emergency assistance. This sparked a heavy debate about whether to establish a similar emergency system in the United States. At the time, Gallagher was the President of Alabama Telephone, making him the forerunner of this discussion. Eventually Gallagher pulled the right strings and even beat AT&T to the punch. On February 16, 1968, the 911 call system was established.

Before the process was introduced to the public, the first American 911 call was actually made in 1966 in Haleyville, AL by Speaker of the House Rankin Fite. The call was answered by State Representative Tom Bevill.