The General Assembly finds that 9–1–1 specialists are key members of the team of public safety personnel responding to requests from the public for emergency assistance. Each jurisdiction employing 9–1–1 specialists shall: appropriately classify 9–1–1 specialists as first responders in recognition of the training, knowledge, and skills that 9–1–1 specialists possess and demonstrate in answering and handling requests for emergency assistance; and compensate 9–1–1 specialists in a manner that: reflects their membership in the team of public safety personnel answering and responding to requests for emergency assistance; and is commensurate with the training, knowledge, and skills they possess.