Running at half of its recommended staff size for nearly three years, the Routt County Emergency Communications Center still beats the national average in 911 response time — a testament to the talent and efficiency of its dispatchers, said Communications Manager Jim Cullen.
WASHINGTON – Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced the Enhancing First Response Act, which would make important updates to our 9-1-1 emergency reporting system to ensure Americans can reach help when they dial 9-1-1 during natural disasters. The legislation will also ensure 9-1-1 dispatchers are recognized as protective service workers to ensure their job classification appropriately recognizes the lifesaving nature of their work. This legislation is also co-sponsored by Senators Blackburn, Heinrich, Sullivan, Lujan, Capito, Markey, Budd, King, Thune, and Kelly.
Proponents of a bill that would boost retirement benefits for emergency dispatchers say the change could help improve recruitment and retention efforts in a high-stress profession that sees rapid employee turnover.
Senate Bill 173 would reclassify 911 dispatchers — also known as public safety telecommunicators — as “first responders”, a change from their current status as “clerical workers.” This would put them in the same category as police officers in the New Mexico Public Employees Retirement Act, which could lead to enhanced, 25-year retirement plans.
The Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD) continues to set the standard for university public safety by implementing cutting-edge advancements in emergency communications. Most recently, GTPD became the first 911 call center within the University System of Georgia to integrate live caller video application capabilities, transforming how emergency calls are handled on campus.
KEARNEYSVILLE — Jefferson County Schools partnered with Jefferson County Emergency Communications to start a new career and technical education program called EmComm.
The EmComm program started last year when Ian Hillman, director of responsive education, started talking with Edwina Benites, previous director of the Jefferson County Development Authority and current county administrator. During their conversation, they wanted to identify needs in the community and be responsive by finding ways for students to begin working toward careers that fulfill those needs.
