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DES MOINES — Everyone knows you can call 9-1-1. But, did you know you can text 9-1-1? Iowa is one of the few states that has updated its technology to texting. But with new funding, they want to take it a step further.
The West Des Moines Public Safety Facility is one of 113 call centers in the state of Iowa that’s getting a new upgrade called Next Generation 911.
Assistant Chief Dispatcher Rob Dehnert says being a dispatcher can be overwhelming.
“It goes from periods of sheer terror. People are calling in with everything. Anytime they need to summon the assistance of police, fire, and EMS and request those services that’s the calls they take.”
But getting that help is becoming easier.
Being able to send video to 9-1-1 is coming soon, says Program Manager Blake Derouchey.
