Haiden's Law To Upgrade Oklahoma's 911 System

A new law will upgrade the state’s 911 system for the first time in almost 50 years.

It’s named after a 22-year-old Mayes County man who died after dispatchers couldn’t find his location and get to him in time.

The law is called the “Haiden Fleming Memorial Act” and commits $80 million to improving 911 centers all over Oklahoma.

Haiden's family is proud he continues giving back even after his death.

At a cemetery in Locust Grove, Haiden Fleming’s smiling face is guarded by an angel.

His family sits next to him on this bench and remembers his short but impactful life.

“Haiden's a giver, those folks in life like that, you don't ever forget em," said Senator Blake Stephens.

Haiden’s parents, Bobby and Jamie, said he loved fishing and anything outdoors.

They said he had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone.

State senator Blake “Cowboy” Stephens was a school counselor at Locust Grove and knew Haiden and his family.

“This tragedy occurred. Bobby called me," Stephens said. "I know the family, I know Jamie.”

In 2021, Haiden had a cardiac incident.

First responders weren’t able to locate him due to outdated technology and jurisdiction issues, and he died before they could get there.

"They lived on a county line road when the 911 call went out," he said. "It didn't interact.”

Senator Stephens has been working with other state leaders to update the 911 system, and finally, the law has gone into effect.

It’s the first major upgrade since 1975.

The law upgrades technology to pinpoint exact locations, helps counties communicate with each other, and also requires mandatory CPR training for dispatchers, among other improvements.

Changes Stephens said will save lives.

“When you're talking about Haiden Fleming, a great American young man taken out of this life too soon, you search for answers to that," Stephens said. "I believe this is the answer.”

The law went into effect on Nov. 1 and trainings and other changes will need to be ready to go by sometime next year.

Taxpayers may see about a 50 cent increase monthly on their cell phones, but their landline bills could go down a bit.