MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – Understaffed 911 centers are not just a Montgomery problem, it’s nationwide.
According to a 2023 survey published by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch, only 82 out of the 774 911 centers surveyed were fully staffed, and 277 dispatch centers had at least 30% of their positions vacant. The survey also showed that 23 centers were 70 to 100% vacant.
CAPE COD – The landscape has changed markedly when it comes to dispatching for fire departments on Cape Cod. The Barnstable County Sheriff’s Department Emergency Communications Center has been expanding its services for local fire departments. In March, Chatham moved their dispatch to the Sheriff’s department, Eastham switched on March 17th and today (March 31st) Provincetown also began utilizing the Sheriff’s office for their fire dispatch. Currently the Truro Fire Department is the only agency on the outer Cape still self dispatching from their Police Department. Yarmouth, Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills, Cotuit FDs all dispatch locally. Hyannis Fire is dispatched from the Barnstable Police Station. Falmouth Fire is dispatched from the Falmouth Police Station. All other Cape fire departments are now dispatched through the Sheriff’s facility.
I am incredibly proud of the hardworking professionals at our Public Safety Communications Center. Every day, our dispatchers answer difficult calls with patience, professionalism, and dedication to the safety of our community. Their work is demanding and often unseen, yet they remain steadfast in their mission to provide exceptional service to our city.
LEWISBURG, W.Va. – The Greenbrier County Commission, on Tuesday, adopted an ordinance which will raise 911 fees within the county for the first time in 30 years. Originally set at $2 per month in 1995, residential wireline fees will increase to $4.50 per month to cover the cost of upgrades and enhancements to the county’s emergency communications systems.
A Scranton man is facing charges after police say he called the Lackawanna County Communications Center four times, rambling about a previous incident, using racial slurs and threatening to “mow down” those involved.
