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December 1, 2024. It’s been exactly 4,383 days since December 1, 2012, the day Kari Hunt tragically lost her life in Marshall, Texas.
That day is etched into my memory—not because I knew Kari personally (I didn’t), but because her story would change the direction of my career and my life. It would also shape how I viewed innovation and its role in preventing tragedies.
I first read about Kari’s story about a week after the tragic incident. To say the least, I was devastated. Her young daughter had done everything right, picking up the phone to call 9-1-1 in a moment of unimaginable fear and urgency. But the call never went through. Her tenacity came through as she tried three more times, only to get the same result. But why?
Like most others, the hotel phone system required dialing a “9” for an outside line—a small, easily overlooked detail with catastrophic consequences.
As someone deeply involved in public safety and emergency communications, I couldn’t just sit by. I had to do something. Then, I built up the courage to pick up the phone and reach out to Kari’s father, Hank Hunt, offering whatever expertise or guidance I could provide to help ensure this never happened again.
A Life-Changing Mission
At the time, I was with Avaya, a company that supported me wholeheartedly in this endeavor, under the guidance of Kevin Kennedy. I remember the day I explained the situation to Kevin in Santa Clara, California, standing just outside his office. Not only was he brokenhearted over this failed technology, but he was also flat-out furious that it had happened. You see, he understood just as well as I that there was no reason for this failure other than an installer’s laziness and a lack of programming. With Kevin’s full backing and support, I began working alongside the Hunt family to push for legislative change—in Texas and any other state I could garner interest. That included Suffolk County, NY, with a county ordinance sponsored by brand new legislator Rob Trotta, and later across the country. It was a daunting task. None of us were professional lobbyists or had any legislative experience. Hank was just a grieving father with an unbreakable resolve, and I was a public safety advocate passionate about fixing what was broken. Big mouth to back it up.
The first victory came from our win in Suffolk County. That small win was monumental, but it was just the beginning. State by state, we pushed forward, gaining bipartisan support from lawmakers who saw the undeniable need for change. In Texas, where Kari’s Law work at the state level was under significant scrutiny, we got a bill first signed by newly elected Governor Greg Abbott.
The work was not easy. It required countless meetings, testimonies, and sleepless nights.
But every step forward brought us closer to preventing another family from enduring what the Hunts had gone through. When Kari’s Law reached Congress, it had become a grassroots movement with overwhelming national support.
From the Hill to the White House
Video courtesy Federal Communications Commission Archives
On February 9, 2018, Congress passed the federal version of Kari’s Law, a moment made even more poignant as it would have been Kari’s 36th birthday. Just days later, on February 16, I had the profound honor of standing beside the Hunt family in the White House Oval Office as President Donald Trump signed the bill into Law.
I’ll never forget that moment—seeing the Hunt family’s courage rewarded with a victory that would save lives for generations to come. It was a moment of pride, not just for Hank and his family but for everyone who had worked tirelessly to make this a reality. This moment affirmed why I had dedicated my career to this field.
A Career Defined by Purpose
Kari’s Law was not the end of the journey. In many ways, it was just the beginning. As the Law took effect, it became clear that ensuring direct access to 9-1-1 was not enough. We needed to address another critical issue: location accuracy. Inspired by Kari’s Law, RAY BAUM’S Act was passed shortly after, requiring dispatchable location information to be provided with every 9-1-1 call. Together, these laws represent a seismic shift in emergency communication, saving lives and improving response times.
These experiences profoundly shaped the direction of my career and reinforced my belief that innovation must be purposeful. Technology isn’t just about convenience or efficiency—it’s about solving real problems, saving lives, and preventing tragedies.
Today, I’m proud to continue that mission with 911inform, where I have the privilege of working with a team that shares my commitment to public safety innovation. This is not just about a job for me—it’s about ensuring that families like the Hunts have the support and resources to continue their mission. It’s about ensuring no one ever faces the barriers Kari’s daughter did that day.
The Legacy of Kari’s Law
As I reflect on the past 12 years, I’m struck by the profound impact of Kari’s Law—not just on public safety but on the people it has touched. Hank Hunt’s tireless advocacy turned heartbreak into hope. The support of countless lawmakers, companies, and advocates demonstrated what’s possible when we come together for a common cause. Most importantly, Kari’s story has saved lives.
Whenever I hear about a 9-1-1 call that goes through because of Kari’s Law, I think of Kari and her family. Their strength, determination, and willingness to share their story have made the world safer.
As we commemorate 12 years since Kari’s passing, I’m filled with both sadness and gratitude—for the Hunt family, for the colleagues who supported us, and for the opportunity to be part of something so meaningful.
Kari’s Law is more than a piece of legislation. It’s a legacy of love, resilience, and the unwavering belief that we can—and must—do better. It’s a reminder that innovation, driven by purpose, has the power to change and save lives.
Kari, your story continues to inspire. To Hank and the entire Hunt family, thank you for allowing me to be part of this journey. Your mission is one I will always carry forward.
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Thanks for spending time with me; I look forward to next time. Stay safe and take care.
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The World According to Fletch . . . 
Louis Gohmert was one of my Dad’s best friends and I believe he had something to do with it. Kari’s Law Act of 2015 to improve direct access to 9-1-1
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Yes, we worked closely with Louie throughout the process. He was instrumental in getting this attention in Congress. He was with us in the President’s office during the signing.
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