County dispatch combined (AL)

Pike County’s citizens may not be aware that all E-911 dispatch has been consolidated at one central location.

David Morgan, executive director of the Pike County Communication District, said the change occurred in the fall of last year. All E-911 dispatch for the Troy, Troy University and the county’s volunteer departments were switched to a central dispatch on Oct. 7. Brundidge police and fire followed at the end of the month and the Pike County Sheriff’s Office completed the transition to central dispatch in December…

9-1-1 director wins President’s Award (MO)

The Missouri National Emergency Numbering Association (NENA) organization, the Missouri Association of Public Safety Communication (APCO) organization and the Missouri 911 Directors Association banded together to honor Mike Phillips, Barry County Emergency Services E9-1-1 executive director with the 2022 President’s Award.

At a conference hosted in Branson, Phillips was surprised to be recognized for his work.

“It’s an honor,” he said. “I have been fortunate enough in the past to hand that award to others… READ MORE

City of Longview to purchase new public safety communications system (TX)

City of Longview to purchase new public safety communications system (TX)

The city of Longview is targeting replacement of its 20-year-old public safety communications system.

Members of the city’s purchasing department opened sealed proposals this week from nine vendors. City spokesman Shawn Hara said the requests for proposal were looked at and will be evaluated without price information attached.

Hara said with these initial requests, the emphasis is more “on what quality of what you’re getting before the price.”

The proposals now will be evaluated by a committee that considers “the completeness of a proposal and how well the proposal meets the needs of the city and departments,” according to information from the city…

County Now Using Simplicity Mobile App to Connect Residents with Real-Time Information & Events (CA)

Redwood City — County of San Mateo has adopted the Simplicity app, a new mobile communication channel that directly connects with residents by delivering important announcements and events directly to the user’s phone.

The free app doesn’t require residents to create an account to receive updates from the County of San Mateo and their participating city of residence. Users simply download the Simplicity app from the Google Play store or Apple’s App store, choose their city of residence, notification preferences and various topics including health updates, public safety information, schools and upcoming local events…

Cimarron Hills Fire Department earns new ‘Public Protection Classification’ rating, meaning decreased property insurance premiums for many (CO)

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KKTV) – The Cimarron Hills Fire Department earned a “Class 2 Public Protection Classification” rating from the Insurance Services Office, meaning a lot of home and business owners within their protection district will have decreased property insurance premiums.

The department announced the new classification to the public on Monday. The change is effective July 1.

“Cimarron Hills joins the 5% of agencies across the Country with a PPC of 2 or above, validating that fire protection, water service, and communications are among the best for the citizens we serve,” part of a news release from the department reads. “This is a tremendous accomplishment as we celebrate 50 years of service to the citizens and business owners of Cimarron Hills… READ MORE

911 dispatchers still needed (MO)

(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) Slowly but surely, the Communications Center is filling the dispatcher holes.

The St. Joseph Police Department hired six new communications operators in January but is still looking to hire two more.

Captain John Olszowka says it is imperative for the city to bring in two more members to the team so the community will no longer be at risk hearing “please hold” over the phone when calling 911.

“It’s huge for the community. Well, when I only have three operators working on answering the phones and someone else’s call is first, you call 911 and get a recorded voice saying, ‘please standby,’ that’s not good for the community,” said Cpt. John Olszowka who is the Communications Center Manager “So if we can get our staffing back up, it makes it easier on everybody… READ MORE