by AllThingsECC.com | Aug 17, 2021 | Comm Center News
ALAMOSA – Next Generation 911 is a new system comprised of Emergency Services Internet Provider (IP) networks that went live July 14th 2021. This allows the public to now text message emergencies to the San Luis Valley E911 Center.
NG911 incorporates Rapid SOS which automatically displays the telephone number as well as latitude and longitude of the 911 caller on the emergency operator’s screen. This is unlike Basic 911 service, where the distressed caller has to tell the operator where he or she is calling from.
The dispatch center still handles 911 calls phoned in as well as 911 texting. Calling is the preferred method and texting should be used when voice is not possible. Texting can be beneficial for the hearing impaired or if talking on the phone may place an individual in more danger. Calling on cell phones in areas with weak signals may make it hard to connect to get help. In that case, texting may have a better chance to reach 911…
by AllThingsECC.com | Aug 17, 2021 | Articles, Comm Center News
FirstNet investigates off-network communications
FirstNet is researching ways to provide off-network broadband communications to public-safety workers.
In some cases, responders must operate in remote areas with no access to broadband communications. They may be too far from network towers or base stations or fighting fires in buildings that have lost power and have intermittent cellular coverage.
The FirstNet Authority wants to better understand emerging technologies and potential capabilities for enabling not just device-to-device communications but also relay networks and a full range of data services, according to an Aug. 12 request for information. It wants responders to be able to share pictures, video, location or internet-of-things data with other responders, devices, drones and third-party applications without access to the macro network – the towers, base stations, cables and other physical facilities that provide communications…
by AllThingsECC.com | Aug 17, 2021 | Comm Center News
OROVILLE — The Oroville City Council will discuss a pair of items during the regular business portion of Tuesday’s meeting regarding fire protection services in the city.
The council will consider a temporary contract with Cal Fire-Butte County for fire dispatch services in Oroville lasting from Dec. 1 until June 30, 2022. The one-year contract would cost the city $156,740.
The council will provide staff with direction regarding the consideration of a potential ballot question regarding public safety services in Oroville. The council will consider if the advisory measure will be placed on the 2022 General Municipal Election…
by AllThingsECC.com | Aug 17, 2021 | Comm Center News
JEROME, Idaho — Law enforcement agencies and communication centers are struggling to fill the critical roles of dispatch officers across the Magic Valley.
Often referred to as the “first” first responders, the crucial job of a dispatcher is at times forgotten.
“There is not one day that these people don’t go home that they have not helped several citizens in this town,” said Twin Falls Dispatch Communications Director Tami Lauda…
by AllThingsECC.com | Aug 17, 2021 | Comm Center News
KILGORE, Texas (KLTV) – The City of Kilgore is working on upgrading communications infrastructure in the southern part of Gregg County.
City of Kilgore emergency management coordinator and Lieutenant with the Kilgore Police Department Terry Linder, says the regional project will have money coming from the governor’s office through ETCOG, who has partnered with the city and Gregg County to bring improved radio coverage to southern Gregg,, northern Rusk, and the eastern part of Smith Counties.
“Traditionally, agencies in East Texas operated off VHF and every agency had their own small tower so ETMC EMS started this project probably three decades ago which built out a radio network, now we saw that there was a coverage gap in southern Gregg County, northern Rusk County, a little bit of eastern Smith County so our new tower will add coverage to that area,” Linder said…
by AllThingsECC.com | Aug 17, 2021 | Articles, Comm Center News
First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) officials recently joined AT&T personnel in unveiling tools designed to aid Rhode Island first responders.
AT&T has delivered a pair of Compact Rapid Deployables (CRDs) to the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) – adding the state is the nation’s first to receive CRDs in conjunction with the decision to advance public safety broadband communications with FirstNet.
CRDs are trailered mobile units providing FirstNet cellular and Wi-Fi coverage via satellite connectivity to first responders…
