911 dispatchers even more isolated during pandemic (MI)

Apr. 7—WEST OLIVE — Isolation is a somewhat common situation in normal times for employees of the Ottawa County Central Dispatch Authority.

Dispatchers work 12-hour shifts, matching up with their counterparts in the police, fire and medical agencies.

But, unlike those counterparts, the dispatchers sit quietly at their consoles inside a separate building in the Fillmore Complex in the middle of Ottawa County…

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

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

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)

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)

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…