Huntsville/Madison County now offering a text-to-911 service (AL)

by ECC Editor | Feb 11, 2021 | Comm Center News

HUNTSVILLE, Ala — 9-1-1 is now at our fingertips in more ways than one. You can now text 9-1-1 in Madison County. 

“Texting to 9-1-1 is very simple. It’s the same as texting to a friend,” says Chief Operating Officer & 9-1-1 Director for Huntsville-Madison County 9-1-1 Center, Chris Tucker.

“Just pull up the text app in your smart phone, and key in 9-1-1 in the recipient field and key in your message, always put it in the location and the nurture of your emergency and click send,” he says… READ MORE

Controversy over regionalization continues, despite contract (MA)

by ECC Editor | Feb 11, 2021 | Comm Center News

HAMPDEN – Dispatch regionalization was again on the agenda at the Hampden Select Board’s Feb. 8 meeting.

A letter was signed by the Select Board to be sent to the Massachusetts State 911 office formally requesting the recognition of the new joint dispatch of Wilbraham and Hampden as a single public safety answering point (PSAP). This is an important step in becoming eligible for the state regionalization grants that will fund Hampden’s portion of dispatch costs for the next three years, with diminishing returns thereafter… READ MORE

Tributes, donations for Minnesota firefighter/dispatcher who died unexpectedly

by ECC Editor | Feb 10, 2021 | Comm Center News

Firefighters around Minnesota are remembering one of their own after a Lake Johanna firefighter died unexpectedly last week.

Kyle Tibbs, 25, had just celebrated his fifth anniversary with the Lake Johanna Fire Department, which provides services to the cities of Arden Hills, North Oaks and Shoreview, when he died on Feb. 4. 

He also worked as a dispatcher for the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office… READ MORE