MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – Understaffed 911 centers are not just a Montgomery problem, it’s nationwide.
According to a 2023 survey published by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch, only 82 out of the 774 911 centers surveyed were fully staffed, and 277 dispatch centers had at least 30% of their positions vacant. The survey also showed that 23 centers were 70 to 100% vacant.
On March 27, 2025, the FCC adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) proposing improvements to ensure the resiliency, reliability, interoperability, and accessibility of Next Generation 911 (NG911) networks. NG911 will provide improved support for the full range of 911 voice, text, data, and video communications, which will enable improved 911 access for individuals with disabilities.
Specifically about accessibility, the FCC seeks comment on:
Addison, Carrollton, Coppell and Farmers Branch city council members individually approved a resolution related to the design and construction costs of the new North Texas Emergency Communications Center (NTECC).
Approval of construction costs allows construction to move forward.
CAPE COD – The landscape has changed markedly when it comes to dispatching for fire departments on Cape Cod. The Barnstable County Sheriff’s Department Emergency Communications Center has been expanding its services for local fire departments. In March, Chatham moved their dispatch to the Sheriff’s department, Eastham switched on March 17th and today (March 31st) Provincetown also began utilizing the Sheriff’s office for their fire dispatch. Currently the Truro Fire Department is the only agency on the outer Cape still self dispatching from their Police Department. Yarmouth, Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills, Cotuit FDs all dispatch locally. Hyannis Fire is dispatched from the Barnstable Police Station. Falmouth Fire is dispatched from the Falmouth Police Station. All other Cape fire departments are now dispatched through the Sheriff’s facility.
I am incredibly proud of the hardworking professionals at our Public Safety Communications Center. Every day, our dispatchers answer difficult calls with patience, professionalism, and dedication to the safety of our community. Their work is demanding and often unseen, yet they remain steadfast in their mission to provide exceptional service to our city.
Warren County and City of Vicksburg first responders come in a wide array of forms. From firefighters and medics to police officers and sheriff’s deputies, many emergency situations call for some, or all, of the men and women who make up the front-line, essential jobs in the area. But, regardless of who is needed, it is the Vicksburg Warren E-911 dispatchers who serve as the vital link between those in need and those responding.
