Running at half of its recommended staff size for nearly three years, the Routt County Emergency Communications Center still beats the national average in 911 response time — a testament to the talent and efficiency of its dispatchers, said Communications Manager Jim Cullen.
WASHINGTON – Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced the Enhancing First Response Act, which would make important updates to our 9-1-1 emergency reporting system to ensure Americans can reach help when they dial 9-1-1 during natural disasters. The legislation will also ensure 9-1-1 dispatchers are recognized as protective service workers to ensure their job classification appropriately recognizes the lifesaving nature of their work. This legislation is also co-sponsored by Senators Blackburn, Heinrich, Sullivan, Lujan, Capito, Markey, Budd, King, Thune, and Kelly.
Logan Spencer was a former YMCA employee and Roanoke Co. Emergency Dispatcher
According to a Roanoke County spokesperson Spencer was employed as dispatcher in Roanoke County’s Emergency Communications Center. He has been placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation.
Proponents of a bill that would boost retirement benefits for emergency dispatchers say the change could help improve recruitment and retention efforts in a high-stress profession that sees rapid employee turnover.
Senate Bill 173 would reclassify 911 dispatchers — also known as public safety telecommunicators — as “first responders”, a change from their current status as “clerical workers.” This would put them in the same category as police officers in the New Mexico Public Employees Retirement Act, which could lead to enhanced, 25-year retirement plans.
The Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD) continues to set the standard for university public safety by implementing cutting-edge advancements in emergency communications. Most recently, GTPD became the first 911 call center within the University System of Georgia to integrate live caller video application capabilities, transforming how emergency calls are handled on campus.
Motorola Solutions today announced that the company has acquired RapidDeploy, a provider of cloud-based solutions related to 911 that will continue existing operations in the near term and closely integrate its technology into Motorola Solutions’ portfolio in the long term.
