Last call: After 36 years, dispatcher Sharon Phillips retires (ME)

Last call: After 36 years, dispatcher Sharon Phillips retires (ME)

by | Sep 30, 2021 | Comm Center News

Sharon Phillips retired Wednesday, Sept. 29 after 36 years as a public safety dispatcher, most recently working for Sanford Regional Communications Center. Tammy Wells photo

KENNEBUNK – She has helped a family perform cardio pulmonary resuscitation – by phone – after their baby fell into a swimming pool, dispatched firefighters and paramedics and police officers to thousands of calls over the years,  and breathed a sigh of relief whenever her shift went well, and  everyone went home safe.

People who call for assistance from first responders – whether they are a homeowner reporting a burglary, require emergency medical services or are a first responder sharing information or calling for back up – all communicate with dispatchers to relay information…

Commissioners Hear Public Concerns Over 911 Staffing Shortage (PA)

Commissioners Hear Public Concerns Over 911 Staffing Shortage (PA)

by | Sep 30, 2021 | Comm Center News

CLEARFIELD – Staffing shortages have been an ongoing issue for the Clearfield County 911 Center.

On Sept. 14, the county’s Salary Board temporarily approved an additional $200/week pay for “commissioner-approved” work duties for four individuals in management positions.

This included 911 Director Dave McClure; Emergency Services Deputy Director Steven Smith; 911 Coordinator Jeremy Ruffner; and 911 Quality Assurance Kylie Collins.

Commissioner John Sobel said the additional pay is subject to an ongoing board review every 30 days, and 911 management will indicate in advance when a staffing need arises…

Despite Hurricane Ida outages, Louisiana governor supports partnership with AT&T

Despite Hurricane Ida outages, Louisiana governor supports partnership with AT&T

by | Sep 30, 2021 | Comm Center News

Louisiana’s state government isn’t looking to switch communication providers from AT&T despite the chaos caused when many state workers, including first responders, lost phone service in the hours after Hurricane Ida.

Multiple state lawmakers told AT&T during a legislative hearing last week that they were upset that emergency communications were down “when many of these numbers were needed most.”

“My recommendation is going to be for the Division of Administration to cancel the FirstNet contract with AT&T, and do an emergency contract in the next 48 hours,” Sen. Karen Carter Peterson, D-New Orleans, said to an AT&T spokesperson.

But it’s unlikely Louisiana will be canceling its agreement with AT&T anytime soon. The state gets AT&T service through FirstNet — a federal program designed to help first responders during emergencies — at no cost to the state…

Emergency calls from citizens left on voicemail; prompts 9-1-1 reminder (UT)

Emergency calls from citizens left on voicemail; prompts 9-1-1 reminder (UT)

by | Sep 29, 2021 | Comm Center News

TOOELE, Utah — The North Tooele Fire District is reminding citizens to know what number to call if they’re experiencing an emergency.

The district says they’ve been getting emergency calls and voicemails left on their administrative phone line, which isn’t monitored after-hours or on weekends.

“If you call 9-1-1, they will get us out there faster than any voicemail you could ever leave ever,” said Jon Smith, a firefighter and public information officer at North Tooele Fire District. “We live in a world of seconds, not minutes, in emergency response.”

Since time is of the essence when it comes to emergency response, it’s important to note that calls for help should be directed to 9-1-1 dispatch either by dialing 9-1-1 or a non-emergency dispatch line…

Despite difficulties, firefighters want Durham to send 911 calls to outside agencies in peak times (NC)

Despite difficulties, firefighters want Durham to send 911 calls to outside agencies in peak times (NC)

by | Sep 29, 2021 | Comm Center News

As Durham continues struggling to handle 911 calls, some officials are calling for the city to adopt a mutual aid agreement with another emergency communications center. But city records obtained by WRAL News show routing 911 calls through an outside agency has led to confusion and delayed responses in the past…

[VIDEO in full article]