Text to 9-1-1 is an option in Radford (VA)

by | Apr 7, 2021 | Comm Center News

RADFORD, Va. (WDBJ) – The City of Radford keeps getting questions from the community about whether folks can text 9-1-1 in an emergency, so the police wanted to clear up the confusion.

The city launched a text to 9-1-1 system over two years ago. Dispatchers do prefer that you call 9-1-1 if it does not jeopardize your safety—as it helps them to pinpoint the exact location of your emergency to send help. Texting is an option for help in the city… READ MORE

Iowa taps into FirstNet for 911 backup

Iowa taps into FirstNet for 911 backup

by | Apr 7, 2021 | Comm Center News

communications tower (Alexander Yakimov/Shutterstock.com)The Iowa Communications Network (ICN) has partnered with Iowa’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department (HSEMD) to use FirstNet as the backup connection for the state’s public safety answering points (PSAPs).ICN has deployed FirstNet LTE connections to 24 of the state’s 113 PSAPs so far, with about 10 more slated for installations. Under the agreement, connected PSAPs will automatically reroute 911 calls from ICN to FirstNet to keep callers wirelessly connected…
Bedford Police and Fire Departments Celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (MA)

Bedford Police and Fire Departments Celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (MA)

by | Apr 7, 2021 | Comm Center News

During the week of April 11-17, public safety agencies take time to reflect on the critical role telecommunications professionals play in supporting first responders. The week, sponsored by APCO International, honors the thousands of men and women across the country who respond to emergency calls, dispatch first responders and equipment, and render life-saving assistance to residents…

County surcharge fee for 911 calls remains the same (MI)

County surcharge fee for 911 calls remains the same (MI)

by | Apr 7, 2021 | Comm Center News

A dispatcher views records and data systems inside Monroe County Central Dispatch off S. Raisinville Rd., where all 911 emergency calls are received.

A surcharge fee of $2 charged for every 911 call made in Monroe County will remain the same.

County commissioners approved of the fee in a resolution passed at their meeting Tuesday as recommended by Donna L. Kuti, director of Monroe County Central Dispatch. The fee is a continuation of the current fee and will be in effect from July 1 through June 30, 2022…

911 dispatchers are being recognized for National Telecommunicators Week (MS)

911 dispatchers are being recognized for National Telecommunicators Week (MS)

by | Apr 7, 2021 | Comm Center News

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- The person on the other end of the line may just be the critical link in an emergency. Operators in local emergency centers are called telecommunicators. It’s their job to match a caller and their needs with the best and fastest responder; their duties seem simple, but they are essential.

“The 911 dispatchers actually take calls coming in from citizens and they dispatch those calls to emergency responders to be it fire, law, ems. They keep the caller on the phone to make sure they get all the information from the caller to give to the responding agency,” said Lowndes County EMA director Cindy Lawrence.