Watertown Police Dispatchers Receive Safety Communications Awards (CT)

Watertown Police Dispatchers Receive Safety Communications Awards (CT)

by | Aug 13, 2021 | Comm Center News

WATERTOWN — The Watertown Police Department Administration and Communications Administration congratulated Dispatcher Patricia Bessette and Dispatcher Melissa Bostick, as they had been selected as the Atlantic Chapter of the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials “Public Safety Communications Team of the Year Award” on August 3.

Dispatchers Bessette and Bostick commonly work together during the day shift and as a team have professionally handled numerous chaotic emergency 911 calls. The dispatchers not only answer the 911 calls and speak to the complainants, but simultaneously dispatch police, fire and ambulance personal, all while updating those agencies with the pertinent information…

8-Year-Old 911 Caller Tours MCPD Center (MD)

8-Year-Old 911 Caller Tours MCPD Center (MD)

by | Aug 13, 2021 | Comm Center News

On Sunday, July 25, 8-year-old Carson called 911 to help his grandfather who was in distress. He carefully followed all of the instructions he was given. And his grandfather responded favorably.

In recognition of his quick thinking and assistance to his grandfather, the Montgomery County Department of Police invited him to tour their call center.

During his visit Carson was also able to meet the call-taker who helped him in person.

The Montgomery County Emergency Communications Center also gave Carson a certificate recognizing his efforts…

Report: Alaska’s cellphone emergency alert system malfunctioned during the last earthquake

Report: Alaska’s cellphone emergency alert system malfunctioned during the last earthquake

by | Aug 13, 2021 | Comm Center News

Aug. 11—State and federal officials say they still don’t know why many Anchorage and Mat-Su residents received cellphone emergency alerts during a tsunami warning in late July.

Anchorage is at almost no risk of a tsunami, even during a large earthquake, and the National Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer did not send an alert to cellphones in Alaska’s largest city. Many residents received warning messages anyway. Many others did not.

According to records and statements from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the state of Alaska and the National Weather Service — which operates the tsunami warning center — warnings should have been sent only to cellphones on the Kenai Peninsula, Kodiak, Alaska Peninsula and in portions of the Aleutian Islands…

Florida buildings now required to install signal-boosting public safety systems

by | Aug 13, 2021 | Comm Center News

It is crucial that first responders have clear, effective two-way communication in commercial buildings. Unfortunately, most buildings block and absorb radio frequency signals, presenting complex challenges to the ever-increasing demand for coverage.

The state of Florida is requiring commercial buildings, apartments and condos over 75 feet that test below minimum-required coverage levels to have a two-way radio communication signal booster called an Emergency Radio Communication Enhancement System (ERCES) designed and installed…

Address confusion delayed Cincinnati 911 emergency response for nonbreathing infant (OH)

Address confusion delayed Cincinnati 911 emergency response for nonbreathing infant (OH)

by | Aug 12, 2021 | Comm Center News

CINCINNATI — A frantic mother called Cincinnati’s 911 on Aug. 7 begging for a fast response to help her infant daughter.

“I need an ambulance. My baby’s not breathing,” the woman told the 911 operator. “Hurry up.”

The WCPO 9 I-Team received and reviewed a copy of the 911 recording. The caller said her address was on Roxbury, a street in Cincinnati’s Mount Washington neighborhood.

The 911 operator told City of Cincinnati officials he heard “Rozberry” and thought it was Raspberry Court in Boone County…