Can first responders find you? Here's why we have to change some addresses.
9-1-1 Addressing • January 8, 2020
We get it, updating or changing your address can be a hassle. You’ve had it for years or you just got acquainted with it after your move. It’s a small disruption that most people don’t want to deal with. And while it may seem like an inconvenience for you, it’s an even bigger problem for our first responders. If your address is not in compliance with the 911 addressing system, then it will need to be changed.
Why?
In the event of an emergency, our first responders rely on this information to effectively do their jobs. It is one of the most important pieces of information for Fire, Police, and other service entities in the protection and preservation of lives and property. GPS units are useful in getting near a location, but they are not always 100 percent accurate. How can they respond in a timely manner without the correct address?
New address request or current address verification
Making this small change won’t be as hard as it seems. Working in partnership with the state and local officials, ETCOG has been tapped as the primary planning and coordinating entity for emergency 9-1-1 communications in East Texas. Unfortunately, in order to follow program regulations, some addresses must be changed due to the sale of nearby property and the subsequent creation of a new 9-1-1 address. We understand this can be frustrating and apologize for any inconveniences.
What you will need
In order to request an address change or receive and address verification, we need the property owner to call (844) 447-6911 or visit Pineywoods911.com
and fill out the form “Request or Verify Address”. Aside from general contact information, here are a few things you will need to properly fill out the form. They are:
- County the property is in;
- City nearest the property;
- Road property is on;
- Nearest Road Intersection;
- Direction to nearest neighbor’s driveway from property driveway (North, South, East or West);
- Distance from Property Driveway to Neighbor’s Driveway (in Feet); and
- Nearest Neighbor’s Address.
For more information or assistance with changing your address, please visit Pineywoods911.com.
ETCOG is hosting NIMS ICS 300 and ICS 400 training in August at our Kilgore office. These courses are now required under Texas House Bill 33. Please register as soon as possible. The class must have at least 26 participants, or it may be canceled. Please also forward this opportunity to anyone who may need or be interested in attending. Training Details Course: MGT904 / ICS-300 Dates: August 24–26, 2026 Start Time: August 24 at 8:00 a.m. CST Location: ETCOG 3800 Stone Road Kilgore, Texas 75662 Registration Link: https://my.teex.org/TeexPortal/Default.aspx?MO=mCourseCatalog&D=FP&C=MGT904&S=941 Course: MGT905 / ICS-400 Dates: August 26–27, 2026 Start Time: August 26 at 1:00 p.m. CST Location: ETCOG 3800 Stone Road Kilgore, Texas 75662 Registration Link: https://my.teex.org/TeexPortal/Default.aspx?MO=mCourseCatalog&D=FP&C=MGT905&S=732 Cost All online classes, including the ICS 300/400 classes hosted at ETCOG, are free. Prerequisites Please read this section carefully before registering. The following four prerequisite courses are required: ICS 100 ICS 200 ICS 700 ICS 800 FEMA online training link for prerequisites: Emergency Management Institute - National Incident Management System (NIMS) https://training.fema.gov/nims/ Please bring copies of your prerequisite certificates with you to class, if possible. A screenshot of your certificates is also acceptable. What to Bring Please bring the following items to training: Copies or screenshots of your ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS 700, and ICS 800 certificates A tablet or laptop The participant manual downloaded to your device The participant manual will be available after you complete registration. Registration Assistance If you have trouble registering, please send a screenshot of the issue so we can help troubleshoot. Thank you, and please register as soon as possible to help ensure the class meets the minimum attendance requirement.
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed April 12–18, 2026 , honors the dedication, service, and sacrifice of the public safety telecommunicators who answer the call when emergencies happen. Held each year during the second week of April, the observance recognizes the professionals who serve as the critical first point of contact in emergency situations. At ETCOG, we are proud to recognize the telecommunicators who serve communities across our region. Their work requires professionalism, compassion, quick thinking, and a steadfast commitment to public safety. In moments of crisis, they provide calm, skilled support and help connect people to the emergency services they need. In 2025 , telecommunicators in ETCOG’s service area answered more than 174,000 9-1-1 calls and more than 20,000 9-1-1 texts . Behind each of those numbers is a person in need of help and a trained telecommunicator ready to respond. ETCOG supports the region’s dispatch offices through training, equipment upgrades, and management of the regional 9-1-1 system. These efforts help ensure telecommunicators have the tools, technology, and resources needed to serve the public effectively and efficiently. During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, we extend our sincere appreciation to the men and women who help keep our communities safe every day. Their work is essential, and their service makes a meaningful difference throughout East Texas.
