John Walsh Named National Spokesperson for GreatCall's New 5Star Urgent Response Service

Creator and Host of America's Most Wanted Endorses the First-of-its-Kind Wireless, Mobile Device for Personal Safety

December 13, 2011 -- GreatCall, Inc., a leader in wireless services that enable people to stay connected, safe and healthy, announced today that John Walsh, a human and victim rights advocate, has been named as the company's national spokesperson for its new 5Star Urgent Response™ service. Walsh is recognized worldwide for his anti-crime activism and as the host of America's Most Wanted television program. The 5Star Urgent Response Service and Responder is a first-of-its-kind wireless, mobile device that is an easy, convenient, and affordable way to better protect yourself or those closest to you, at home or on the go. 5Star is also available as a downloadable smartphone app for iPhone on iTunes. The product launched on October 19th, 2011 and can be purchased nationwide at Walmart, Sears or by contacting GreatCall directly at www.GreatCall.com and by phone at 1-800-650-3946.

In his first official appearance as spokesperson for GreatCall, Walsh will be featured in a national advertising campaign for print, television and online. On July 27, 1981, John’s only child, Adam, was abducted from a mall near his home in Hollywood, Florida. Adam was found murdered two weeks later. The tragic experience inspired John and his wife Reve to create the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) in 1984. The NCMEC is the premier child protection non-profit, providing invaluable resources to parents, children and law enforcement in the United States and internationally. Many times, Walsh has been honored by local, state and federal law enforcement agencies for his commitment to child protection. Named "Man of the Year" by both the U.S. Marshals Service and the FBI, Walsh has been made an honorary U.S. Marshal. He is the third person in the organization's 200-plus-year history to receive this honor. Although he's never held political office, John's been the driving force behind major pieces of child protection legislation. This hard work led to him being honored five times by four presidents: Ronald Reagan (twice), George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush.

"I strongly believe and endorse the 5Star Urgent Response as an important element to increasing the safety of every family," said Walsh. "We live in very challenging times and I believe the time is right, and 5Star Urgent Response will truly empower users to be prepared for any situation."

"We share John's passion and commitment for keeping yourself and your family and friends safe," said GreatCall Vice President Sales and Marketing, Bill Yates. "John is a role-model and serves as an inspiration for all of us to do what we can to improve public safety. With 5Star, no matter how serious the situation, you can be assured that we are there with you until your situation is resolved."

About 5Star Urgent Response™ service and the 5Star Responder™ device and iPhone App

By simply pressing the button on the Responder, users are immediately connected to highly-trained Certified Response Agents. The agent will identify a caller and the location, conference in family or friends, dispatch 9-1-1 emergency service, access a nurse, or provide any additional assistance, if needed. Consumers can also use the device to contact 9-1-1 directly if needed. Users can conveniently attach the GPS enabled Responder to a keychain, purse, or backpack.

No matter the situation, from a woman walking home late at night who suddenly realizes she’s being followed, to a child who is lost or feels unsafe at school, to an aging American living alone who’s concerned with a stranger pulling into their driveway. Everyone can feel empowered knowing that 5Star is standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ready to respond.

A recent GreatCall safety survey reported that most Americans often put themselves into harm’s way and are lacking in overall preparedness for an emergency situation. Most believe the "common sense" safety procedures that people are taught from the time they are children still tend to often be ignored. These include:

• 72% walk or jog alone in sparsely developed areas
• 71% forget to lock the doors at night
• 67% drive without enough gas in the tank
• 64% park in a dark and secluded or remote area
• 58% go on a blind date without telling someone where they are going

To learn more about the 5Star Urgent Response™ service and the 5Star Responder™ device, please visit www.greatCall.com/5Star.

SOURCE GreatCall, Inc.