by AllThingsECC.com | Nov 15, 2021 | Comm Center News
Central Dispatch is experiencing an increase in resignations due to schedule changes brought on by continuous understaffing issues.
Director of Grant County Central Dispatch Kevin Hicks has received numerous resignation letters from dispatch workers over the past few months, which has been reported to the commissioners during multiple meetings.
The increase in resignations caused the department to alter the schedule for current full-time employees. The new schedule consists of 12-hour shifts that have sparked some full-time employees to recently switch to part-time work or resign…
by AllThingsECC.com | Nov 15, 2021 | Comm Center News
Faced with a critical shortage of employees in Cobb’s Department of Emergency Communications (E911), the Cobb County Board of Commissioners approved retention incentives of $2,500 per employee at its Tuesday meeting. The additional pay will be split into multiple payments over a 10 to 12 month period.
The retention incentives and signing bonuses (described below) were on the consent agenda, which means they were approved in advance of the regular BOC meeting in a work session.
A news release on the Cobb County website quoted from the written request from Melissa Alterio, Emergency Communications Director, and Randy Crider, Public Saftey Director…
by AllThingsECC.com | Nov 15, 2021 | Comm Center News
NEW BLOOMFIELD — According to the deputy director for Boone County Joint Communications Joe Piper, the national turnover rate for 911 dispatchers is upward of about 30%.
Currently, in Cole County, there are 20 positions for 911 dispatchers, 18 of these are filled with two positions vacant. In Boone County, 911 dispatchers are operating at about 50% of their allotted staff with 43 of 61 authorized positions filled… READ MORE
by AllThingsECC.com | Nov 15, 2021 | Comm Center News
FORT SMITH — The Police Department’s Citizen’s Academy recently began another class to help residents understand who the police are and what they do.
Robyn Shoptaw, crime prevention officer, said different people take the course. She said she isn’t aware of anyone becoming a police officer as a result, but attendees often join the academy’s alumni association and help the department with volunteer efforts.
“Our goal with putting on this class is for the citizens of Fort Smith to be able to understand what we do, and relate to us as people,” Shoptaw said. “We create this enviornment where it’s very open. They get to ask questions, talk to all of these different officers and dispatchers and civilian employees that do this every day…
by AllThingsECC.com | Nov 15, 2021 | Comm Center News
GREENWICH — As a youngster in elementary school, Frank O’Toole volunteered with the Red Cross and learned first aid. He later joined the Greenwich Police Cadet-Explorer Program in what would become a life of public service and a career as an emergency dispatcher.
O’Toole died Monday in Greenwich from natural causes, according to his mother, Barbara O’Toole. He was 39.
Greenwich police said he joined the department as a dispatcher in March 2008 and said he was recently promoted to lead dispatcher…
by AllThingsECC.com | Nov 15, 2021 | Comm Center News
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Some Kentucky dispatchers issued a plea to the community in an effort to prevent a potentially dangerous problem.
In a Facebook post Thursday, Nelson County Dispatch said people are prank calling 911 — including kids cussing or yelling at dispatchers.
“To call 911 as a prank or a joke, could be costing someone their life and I don’t think they realize the seriousness of them pranking us, verses it being a real call,” said Shawn Gaither, director of Nelson County E-911…
