by ECC Editor | Sep 12, 2021 | Comm Center News
DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) –Durham residents are concerned about having to wait longer for someone to answer 911 calls, as the percentage of call taker vacancies in the Bull City has grown to almost 50 percent.
Durham city officials said during a city council work session on Thursday that there are 28 vacant positions out of 60 at the Durham Emergency Communications Center. That’s up from the 26 vacancies city officials said they had in May 2021, when they said there were seven people in training… READ MORE
by ECC Editor | Sep 12, 2021 | Comm Center News
MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (KPTV) – The Bureau of Emergency Communications is looking into solutions to address high call volumes that translate to long waits for 9-1-1 callers.
In November, 2020, the average wait for an answer when someone called 9-1-1 was 21 seconds, very close to the national standard of 20 seconds. But by May, 2021, the average wait had increased to 42 seconds, and reached 56 seconds by July.
“This is completely unacceptable. I want to be able to provide service,” said BOEC Director Bob Cozzie. “I’m a member of the community. I live in Multnomah County, and my family lives in this community.”
Cozzie said call volume to BOEC increased by more than 20% from July, 2020 to July, 2021. In addition, more than a dozen people on the operations floor either retired, took leaves of absence, were promoted, or resigned… READ MORE
by ECC Editor | Sep 12, 2021 | Articles, Comm Center News
20 years ago, on September 11 planes hijacked by Al Qaeda operatives crashed into New York’s World Trade Center, killing more than 3,000 people and injuring thousands of others. After the attack, more than 100,000 responders and recovery workers from every US state – along with some 400,000 residents and other workers around ground zero – were exposed to a toxic cloud of dust that fell as a ghostly, thick layer of ash and then hung in the air for more than three months. Till date, the 2001 attack remains the deadliest terrorist attack in US history.
Needless to say, it was an emergency of epic proportions. But contrary to the opinions of some, the horrific incident does not have any correlation with the 9-1-1 US Emergency Phone Number helpline. For the uninitiated, the three digit number can generally be used for any police, fire or medic and provides direct access to a public safety answering point. The system has been used ever since the 1960s… READ MORE
by ECC Editor | Sep 12, 2021 | Comm Center News
New York Gov. Hochul has chosen the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks to sign a bill that officially extends “first responder” designation to all 911 operators and dispatchers across the state, the Daily News has learned.
There are thousands of 911 dispatchers and operators spread throughout the state, but unlike firefighters, police officers and medics, they have never had the official first responder classification.
Their unions have lobbied for years for the designation, which would give the workers better access to federal grants and other financial support to improve training, equipment, morale and retention… READ MORE
by ECC Editor | Sep 10, 2021 | Jobs
Kentucky State Police Post 2 in Madisonville, Kentucky, is currently seeking applicants for two separate positions of Police Telecommunicator I and Police Telecommunicator II.
Telecommunicators at KSP Post 2 in Madisonville will assist citizens and officers in Caldwell, Christian, Crittenden, Hopkins, Muhlenberg, Todd, and Webster Counties.
KSP says the position is an essential one that requires a person who:
- Has excellent communication skills.
- Has the ability to handle extremely stressful and challenging conditions.
- Can handle flexible work schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays… READ MORE
