Two Southeast Alaska towns allow texts to 911 when calling not an option – Alaska

Two Southeast Alaska towns allow texts to 911 when calling not an option – Alaska

by | Sep 6, 2021 | Comm Center News


Petersburg, Alaska. (Joe Viechnicki/KFSK)

Residents in Wrangell and Petersburg now have the ability to text 911 for help when calling isn’t an option.

“It’s been working out excellent,” Petersburg Police Department Chief James Kerr said. “It’s designed for the hearing impaired or domestic violence situations. If you can’t talk to the dispatch, but you need help, you can text.”

A third-party provider helped implement the technology with the two police departments…

AT&T: Wireless network operating at more 98% of normal

AT&T: Wireless network operating at more 98% of normal

by | Sep 5, 2021 | Comm Center News

AT&T has provided an update on its wireless network following impacts from Hurricane Ida. They say it’s operating at more than 98% of normal.

The company’s statement is as follows:

“We continue to maintain and refuel more than 200 generators currently providing power to equipment there. Our wireless network in both Alabama and Mississippi are operating normally. More than 70 crews are continuing to work across Louisiana to keep our customers, their families and first responders connected.

We have deployed a FirstNet Communications Vehicle to a heavily impacted area in Louisiana to provide an extra level of support. In addition to providing LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity, this CV offers an air-conditioned command space for first responder personnel and is equipped with multiple monitors, charging stations, a television and a large exterior screen and speakers that can be used for briefings…

Augusta Department of Public Safety Director Bob Sage announces retirement after 34 years (KS)

by | Sep 5, 2021 | Comm Center News

Augusta Department of Public Safety Director Bob Sage has announced plans for his upcoming retirement after nearly 34 years in law enforcement.

Sage’s retirement date is planned for the end of October 2021 but will continue to serve in the director position while the city conducts a search and recruitment process for his replacement.

At the beginning of Sage’s career in public safety, at the age of 18, he started as a 911 dispatcher for the Augusta Department of Safety. From there he worked a variety of positions for three different law enforcement agencies until 2002 when he was appointed the Chief of Police in Rose Hill… READ MORE

Supply chain shortage could mean delay in county radio project (NM)

by | Sep 5, 2021 | Comm Center News

Supply chain shortages related to the COVID-19 pandemic will likely mean a delay in the next phase of the joint effort between Chaves County and the city of Roswell to upgrade local emergency radio capabilities.

“Phase two is officially at a dead stop,” said Dave Jones, general manager of Code 3 Services, the Albuquerque-based public safety service company that Roswell and the county have contracted with to transition area law enforcement agencies and fire departments from analog to digital radio.

Jones said some equipment needed for phase two of the project will likely not arrive until late October due to disruptions in manufacturing and shipping caused by measures taken last year to reduce spread of COVID-19…

Haverhill’s civilian dispatchers ink first contract | Massachusetts

by | Sep 5, 2021 | Comm Center News

HAVERHILL — The city has achieved its goal of moving police officers out of dispatch and back onto the streets and has recently inked its first contract with the newly formed civilian Dispatchers Union Group.

Mayor James Fiorentini said this is the latest milestone in his decade-long effort to convert Haverhill’s 911 dispatchers from police officers to civilians.

He said the deal includes pay increases over three years to make the pay of Haverhill dispatchers competitive with other public safety dispatchers in the region. There are currently 10 civilian dispatchers on the job with two more in the process of being hired to meet the fully budgeted complement of a dozen positions…

Rhode Island fire departments sharing $5.5M in FEMA grants

by | Sep 5, 2021 | Comm Center News

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Nineteen Rhode Island fire departments are getting a total of $5.5 million in federal grants that can be used to buy new equipment and upgrade training to enhance public safety, the state’s congressional delegation said.

“These grants will help lift the budgetary burden on local governments and better protect the health and safety of the public and firefighters,” Sen. Jack Reed said in a statement Friday.

The Warwick Fire Department is getting the largest chunk of the grant money, including almost $900,000 for an aerial ladder truck and more than $100,000 for portable radio equipment…