Downsize SPD? Seattle debates new Community Safety and Communications Center to move 911 and parking enforcement operations out of Seattle Police (WA)

Downsize SPD? Seattle debates new Community Safety and Communications Center to move 911 and parking enforcement operations out of Seattle Police (WA)

by | May 12, 2021 | Comm Center News

A Seattle City Council committee will look to take a step Tuesday toward making good on moves made last year to move operations out of the police department after mass protests in the city called for a vast defunding of law enforcement.

The city’s 2021 budget brought a cut of about a fifth of Seattle’s more than $400 million annual outlay in police spending along with changes to reduce the size and power of the department by moving 911 and traffic enforcement operations outside of the Seattle Police Department and spending more money on social, community, and BIPOC services and programs…

 

Dickinson Co. Supervisors Approve Funding Request For Communications Center Radio Consoles Upgrade (IA)

by | May 12, 2021 | Comm Center News

Spirit Lake)– A major upgrade of the Dickinson County Communications Center remains on track for later this year. The county’s 911 Board recently awarded a bid of $377,703 for new radio consoles for the center. That commission has agreed to cover $200,000 of the cost. The Board of Supervisors today (Tues.) voted unanimously for the county to cover the remaining $177,703.

Painting and new carpet will be part of the project, along with adding a fourth work station. Mike Ehret, the county’s 911/Emergency Management Coordinator, told the supervisors the 911 Board has also awarded a bid of nearly $102,000 for new furniture for the Communications Center… READ MORE

Racine County launches Text-to-911 service (WI)

Racine County launches Text-to-911 service (WI)

by | May 12, 2021 | Comm Center News

Racine County is launching a new Text-to-911 service for residents who are unable to call 911 during an emergency.

Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave announced the launch on Tuesday.

“Safety is our highest priority, and this is a great public safety enhancement for Racine County. Text-to-911 gives residents facing an emergency another way to contact 911 dispatchers and get help,” Delagrave said. “We encourage residents experiencing an emergency to continue contacting the Racine County Communications Center by phone, but if you are unable to call, text 911.”

The county says residents should try to do voice calls whenever possible, but if they cannot, text 911…

Escambia County EMS suffering from staffing shortages, sometimes forced to ‘hold calls’ (FL)

Escambia County EMS suffering from staffing shortages, sometimes forced to ‘hold calls’ (FL)

by | May 12, 2021 | Comm Center News

Calls to Escambia County Emergency Medical Services have increased during the past year, and on Sunday night, a text to EMS staff seeking relief crews noted the department was “beyond critical staffing levels” for the night, forcing supervisors to run calls.

Interim Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore said the situation Sunday was caused by a combination of issues, including the shift being short-staffed after some call-ins and an entire ambulance crew having to remain on scene while Escambia County Fire Rescue fought a fire at Ascend Performance Materials.

A situation where there aren’t enough EMS crews in trucks can lead to a “10-75” in which the county dispatch holds calls. Gilmore said when the county holds calls, it prioritizes sending ambulances, referred to as “boxes,” to the most critical calls first…

911 Center dedicated to Michael, MacDonald (WV)

911 Center dedicated to Michael, MacDonald (WV)

by | May 12, 2021 | Comm Center News

Morgan County’s 911 Center was officially dedicated last Wednesday, May 5 during an outdoor ceremony that honored two men closely tied to emergency communications in the county.

County officials unveiled a wooden sign naming the facility the Michael-MacDonald 911 Center. A more permanent metal plaque will be installed by the county soon.

The center was named in part for the late Dave Michael, the county’s longtime 911 and Emergency Services director. Michael spearheaded the county’s build-out of radio towers and equipment to improve emergency communications in every corner of the county…

Holbrook Regional Emergency Communications Center Director Stephan Hooke Named APCO International Director of the Year for 2021 (MA)

Holbrook Regional Emergency Communications Center Director Stephan Hooke Named APCO International Director of the Year for 2021 (MA)

by | May 12, 2021 | Comm Center News

HOLBROOK — The Holbrook Regional Emergency Communications Center is pleased to announce that Director Stephan Hooke has been named International Director of the Year for 2021 by the Association of Public Safety Communications Professionals (APCO).

The award recipients, who represent public safety communications agencies across the country, have demonstrated the highest levels of professional conduct and outstanding performance in the line of duty…