DHS Launches Lab to Test Next-Gen 911 System Compatibility

The Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate has established a new laboratory to ensure Next Generation 911 systems work seamlessly across jurisdictions and technology providers, Federal News Network reported. The initiative aims to prevent communication breakdowns as states and localities transition from analog infrastructure to modern, internet protocol-based emergency networks.

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Fire departments across Winnebago County leave Mercyhealth’s 911 system (IL)

 Chief Joel Hallstrom braced for a leap of faith.

Since 2019, North Park Fire Protection District depended on Mercyhealth’s Rockcom: the nonprofit’s system dispatched first responders after receiving calls from 911 centers around Winnebago County.

“There’s a bit of a disconnect when the 911 centers have to make a phone call to our dispatch when we were at Rockcom,” said Hallstrom.

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State rolls out $85 million to upgrade 911 services, Erie County to receive $1.9 million (NY)

Erie County will receive $1.9 million to upgrade their emergency call centers in preparation for Next Generation 911, a statewide Internet Protocol (IP)-based system designed to improve the way incidents are received and processed.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced that the award was part of the $85 NG911 Grant Program, which aims to ensure local agencies can receive and process incidents in line with the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) i3 standards, enhancing the state’s ability to accept advanced emergency calls. Each eligible county will receive a base allocation of $1 million, with additional funding distributed according to county population.

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