MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Kitsap County becomes first to accept texts to 9-1-1

Mar 31, 2015, 8:56 AM | Updated: 8:59 am

People in emergency situations can now text Kitsap County dispatchers. (AP)...

People in emergency situations can now text Kitsap County dispatchers. (AP)

(AP)

People in emergency situations can now text Kitsap County dispatchers.

The county’s Central Communications announced Tuesday that it will accept text-to-9-1-1 from Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, AT&T and Sprint customers.

The service is intended to benefit people that may not be able to speak due to an emergency, such as a home invasion, according to CENCOM. The service can also help people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities.

“I’m proud that Kitsap 9-1-1 is the first center in the state to accept text messages,” agency director Richard Kirton said.

Texting to 9-1-1 is not available statewide.

MyNorthwest News

seattle man arrest...

James Lynch

Online sting leads to arrest of Seattle man as law enforcement ramps up predator crackdown

The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) said an online undercover operation has led to the arrest of a 29-year-old Seattle man.

39 minutes ago

Hood Canal Bridge (1)...

MyNorthwest Staff

Stalled semitruck blocks Hood Canal Bridge, 5-mile backups

A stalled semitruck is blocking the entrance to the Hood Canal Bridge.

1 hour ago

Old Trails Fire...

MyNorthwest Staff

Arson suspect admits to planning Old Trails Fire, setting 25 other fires since July 2025

The man arrested for arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire in Spokane told detectives he planned to start the fire.

2 hours ago

Kitchen & Market...

Julia Dallas

Kitchen & Market expanding to Seattle neighborhood in 2027

Kitchen & Market, which touts itself as being "way more than a grocery store," is expanding in Seattle.

2 hours ago

Spokane fires (1)...

Brooke Griffin, KIRO 7 News

Spokane community helping each other and emergency responders during devastation

As three wildfires continue to burn across Spokane County Thursday morning, the community is coming together to help first responders.

3 hours ago

snohomish softball little league...

MyNorthwest Staff

Snohomish moves on to Little League Softball World Series quarterfinal with 9-1 win over Canada

Snohomish's Little League Softball World Series team collected another win on Wednesday, beating Canada 9-1 and securing a quarterfinals appearance.

3 hours ago

Kitsap County becomes first to accept texts to 9-1-1