by AllThingsECC.com | Sep 3, 2021 | Comm Center News
Two Southeast Alaska communities will now have text-to-911 capability in their emergency communications systems.
Wrangell and Petersburg will now have the ability to text emergency services in cases in which calling isn’t an option.
“So basically it’s been working out excellent,” said Petersburg Police Department Chief James Kerr in a phone interview. “It’s designed for the hearing impaired or domestic violence situations. If you can’t talk to the dispatch, but you need help, you can text.”
The police departments in those communities worked with Third Signal, a consulting company, to implement the technology, according to a news release from the company…
by AllThingsECC.com | Sep 3, 2021 | Articles, Comm Center News
Advanced Aircraft Company (AAC), a developer of long-endurance hybrid-electric unmanned aircraft systems designed for a wide range of commercial, defense and public safety applications, has been named one of seven finalists in the NIST First Responder UAS Endurance Challenge, which was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Team AAC from Advanced Aircraft Company placed first in the competition, taking home a cash prize of $100,000. Additionally, the company won three Best-in-Class Awards for Endurance, Innovation and First Responders Choice, totaling its winnings at $135,000…
by AllThingsECC.com | Sep 3, 2021 | Comm Center News
Teams of mental health professionals, paramedics and crisis-intervention trained officers will use white vans to help those suffering from mental illness in two parts of Chicago, officials said. (Credit: Chicago Department of Public Health)
Chicagoans who call 911 in two parts of the city while experiencing a mental health crisis can now get help from not just a Chicago police officer trained to assist them — but also a paramedic and a mental health professional.
The teams are now responding to calls for help from Chicagoans in Uptown, Lakeview and North Center on the North Side, with another team focusing on Auburn Gresham and Chatham on the South Side, officials told aldermen during a meeting of the City Council’s Committee on Health and Human Relations on Wednesday…
by AllThingsECC.com | Sep 3, 2021 | Comm Center News
The Marion County Sheriff Department extended their “deepest condolences” to the family of long-time employee Thomas Kelly, who died Tuesday night from COVID-19 complications.
Thomas was employed by the Sheriff’s Department as an emergency dispatch operator since May of 2008.
Marion County Communications Supervisor Jerry Hutchins said “I have lost a great friend and great employee. Thomas served the citizens of Marion County with respect and kindness. He always had a smile on his face. Everyone please take every precaution available to protect yourself from this virus. Rest In Peace my friend”…
by AllThingsECC.com | Sep 3, 2021 | Comm Center News
Michael Guthrie has been named Director of the Emergency Communication District (ECD). In this position he will be responsible for mapping all the addresses for Sumner County.
He will be responsible for assigning an address when someone wants to build on a parcel of land, and when developers want to develop a subdivision, his office will be responsible for making sure that all names of roads and streets are named properly and that there are no duplications.
In addition, his office will be responsible for updating all maps that go to the Emergency Communication Center (ECC 911 dispatch center). Both the ECD and ECC are located on Airport Road, but in separate buildings…
