Comm Center News
APCO and iCERT Come Together to Promote AI in Emergency Response
Today at the APCO AI Summit, APCO International announced a new partnership with the Industry Council for Emergency Response Technologies (iCERT) to launch a new program to promote the responsible implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in emergency...
DHS Launches Lab to Test Next-Gen 911 System Compatibility
The Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate has established a new laboratory to ensure Next Generation 911 systems work seamlessly across jurisdictions and technology providers, Federal News Network reported. The initiative aims to prevent...
Berkeley’s 911 call center struggles to hire enough dispatchers (CA)
The dispatch center that handles 911 and other emergency calls in Berkeley hit a low point of staffing this year, at one point running on just a third of the dispatchers it is supposed to have, according to a city report.
Fire departments across Winnebago County leave Mercyhealth’s 911 system (IL)
Chief Joel Hallstrom braced for a leap of faith. Since 2019, North Park Fire Protection District depended on Mercyhealth’s Rockcom: the nonprofit’s system dispatched first responders after receiving calls from 911 centers around Winnebago County. “There’s a bit...
New 911 center launched | (VA)
Published 4:30 pm Wednesday, October 8, 2025 Effective Oct. 1, the new Farmville-Prince Edward Emergency Communication Center began dispatching all 911 calls for fire, EMS and law enforcement for the town of Farmville, Prince Edward County, Longwood University and...
Alabama police chief resigns after video allegedly shows him sexually harass teen dispatcher
A small-town Alabama police chief has stepped down amid an investigation into the alleged sexual harassment of a young female employee. Cordova Police Chief Jason Hare, a husband and father, resigned Monday, Mayor Jeremy Pate confirmed. The resignation came...
Brown County dispatch center supervisor pushes back on concerns raised by staff (WI)
Brown County Public Safety Communications Director Chancy Huntzinger has pushed back on statements made by dispatch center staff and a former county supervisor about pay and staffing. Hutzinger's comments came during the Brown County Public Safety Committee meeting on...
Calling 911? Soon AI May Answer (MD)
The county’s 911 call center is considering using artificial intelligence to help handle non-emergency calls. “We’re in the process of determining which service would best serve Montgomery County,” Emergency Communications Center Director Jennifer Reidy-Hall said...
Stratford 911 Dispatchers Honored with Unit Citation at Statewide EMS Awards Ceremony (CT)
Stratford, CT – The Town of Stratford is proud to announce that three of its 911 Dispatchers — Estefani Escalante, Suzanne (Suzi) Smolinsky, and Paul Tighe — were recognized with a Unit Citation during the State of Connecticut EMS Advisory Board Awards Ceremony, held...
News 8 Exclusive: 911 dispatcher saved by coworkers tells her story (NY)
LYONS, N.Y. (WROC ) — As a 911 dispatcher, Todd Speers knows how to stay calm in a crisis. “Put yourself in the caller’s shoes,” Todd said. “Try to envision yourself there.” On May 26 of this year, Todd didn’t have to. During a late-night shift change, the crisis came...
State rolls out $85 million to upgrade 911 services, Erie County to receive $1.9 million (NY)
Erie County will receive $1.9 million to upgrade their emergency call centers in preparation for Next Generation 911, a statewide Internet Protocol (IP)-based system designed to improve the way incidents are received and processed. New York Governor Kathy Hochul...
Lincoln Emergency Communications graduates largest ever class (NE)
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - Just over a year ago, Lincoln opened an $8 million emergency communication center to give 911 dispatchers the tools they need to save lives. On Tuesday, Lincoln welcomed 11 new despatchers, the largest graduating class in the center’s...
West Valley 911 center: new Buckeye dispatch center open – (AZ)
PHOENIX — A new Buckeye dispatch center is officially ready to start accepting 911 calls. City officials held a grand opening celebration, complete with a ribbon-cutting, last week.
Governor Hochul Announces $85 Million to Enhance Next Generation 911(NY)
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $85 million in grant funding has been allocated to county level primary Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and primary PSAP backup centers to prepare for the implementation of Next Generation 911 (NG911) in 57 counties across the state. The NG911 Grant Program is specifically to support call handling equipment to include interfaces and software applications needed for agencies to receive and process incidents with the goal of increasing statewide capabilities to accept NG911 calls in accordance with the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) i3 standards. All eligible counties received a base amount of $1 million in funding and the remaining funds were allocated based on population.“Public safety is my number one priority, and that means ensuring that we have the technology and equipment in place to support our first responders and their quick response to emergency situations,” Governor Hochul said. “These investments will ensure that our 911 systems are operating effectively and efficiently when any New Yorker reaches out for emergency assistance in their time of need.
State completes major radio system modernization for first-responders – Coastal Point (DE)
The Delaware Department of Safety & Homeland Security’s Division of Communications has completed a major milestone in statewide communications infrastructure by decommissioning its legacy 800 MHz radio system on Sept. 22. The achievement caps an eight-year, $63 million modernization project bringing cutting-edge IP-based technology to Delaware’s radio network.
The City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (IL)
CHICAGO: On September 25, 2025, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) will celebrate 30 years providing safety and security for Chicago’s residents and visitors through the 9-1-1 Operations floor, 3-1-1 City Services, Office of Emergency Management and the Traffic Management Authority.
Oswego County Drone Program Enhances Response on Oneida Lake (NY)
DOCKING STATION SUPPORTS DRONE FLIGHTS – Docking stations for drones with 200x zoom cameras and infrared technology will soon be placed near Oneida Lake to aid in searches. The program, with airspace monitoring provided by NUAIR, will allow first responders to locate vessels in distress on the lake more quickly.
El Paso Fire recognized nationally for dispatch excellence | KTSM 9 News (TX)
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso Fire Department’s emergency dispatch has been recognized on a national level.
The El Paso Fire Department’s Communications Division has been recognized by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) as an Accredited Center of Excellence (ACE) in fire dispatching, the City of El Paso said.
Stanislaus 911 dispatching will continue with status quo – for now (CA)
People calling 911 won’t see any difference in responses involving Stanislaus County deputies next week, despite prior alarming predictions. Dispatching will continue as normal for now because a new software system for most other public safety agencies throughout...
Oregon Launches Statewide 9-1-1 Job Board to Address Critical Staffing
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is addressing the deficit of emergency telecommunicators head-on with an innovative statewide 9-1-1 Job Board aimed to effectively connect prospective job seekers with critical roles in Public Safety Answering Points...
Upcoming Webinar
4.9 GHz Band: Review of the FCC Order
On October 22, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) released its Eighth Report and Order (Eighth R&O) regarding utilization of the 4940-4990 MHz (4.9 GHz) band that protects incumbent users as requested by us, the Public Safety Spectrum Alliance (PSSA). This Eighth R&O addresses a number of issues related to the use of this band by public safety. Please join us for a briefing on this order and how it impacts public safety.
This presentation will be led by Chief Jeff Johnson (ret) and Attorney Jason Karp, one of the nation’s leading experts in public safety spectrum regulations.
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