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Crawford County begins transition process for consolidated 911 dispatch center (AR)
VAN BUREN, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Crawford County will change how it will receive 911 calls after it consolidates three dispatch locations across the county into one Van Buren location.
Riley County receives state communication equipment as they wait for new parts to repair … (KS)
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Riley County officials say their public safety agencies received state communication equipment as they await new parts to repair their own.
CFB Denmark Tests LTE for Emergency Communications
Broadband | 2024-03-11
The Centre for Emergency Communication of the National Police, Denmark (CFB), together with the Fire services for the greater Copenhagen region has tested LTE radios for emergency communications.
In order to learn more about the possibilities of radio communication over 4G/LTE, the National Police’s Center for Emergency Communications (CFB) and the Capital’s Emergency Services under the auspices of the FREBI project have carried out a series of tests with a view to clarifying how the coverage is in larger buildings and underground facilities, where challenges are most often experienced with coverage on the emergency services’ SINE radios.
While the SINE radio network is based on Tetra technology, which is suitable for voice communication (mission critical communications), radio communication over 4G/LTE is a wireless and efficient way to transmit large amounts of data in areas where there is LTE coverage. Radios that are connected to an LTE network can communicate by sending and receiving data via radio signals, which makes it possible to create video streaming and share images – for example from an accident scene to the control centre.
Promising results with LTE
In the test in the capital, eight LTE radios were used, which the crew at Hovedstadens Firestation and Fælledvejens Firestation, respectively, were subsequently instructed to use, if the effort/exercise allowed it.
The result of the test shows that the users were very satisfied with the LTE radios and experienced good and efficient communication via the LTE network. The experience was particularly positive when the LTE radio was used indoors and in basements. Since broadband/LTE has been installed in virtually all buildings, the emergency services generally experienced a good LTE signal in places where there might otherwise be challenges with the signal on the SINE radio.
As with all studies, however, there are a number of uncertainties, and some caution should therefore be exercised in relation to broader generalizations. In order to extend the conclusion to more general assumptions, more tests covering more areas will be needed.
More activities on the way
In the coming years, CFB will launch several tests and pilot projects, which will, for example, investigate the possibilities in relation to the establishment of private networks and temporary coverage solutions for the communications of the emergency services.
In addition, as part of the new SINE contract, a new functionality will be implemented which enables the latest SINE radios to automatically switch to broadband in areas where SINE coverage is poor.
Dispatchers reflect after massive wildfire outbreak (VA)
HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - While firefighters were out maintaining and attempting to control fires, dispatchers still had to answer every call that was going through 911. Not only are they expected to handle the 911 calls that were made, but they also had to manage...
911, can I have access to the camera on your phone? – Police1
So, what can we expect for the emergency dispatch system’s continued development? Its next evolution will be the ability to connect via FaceTime and similar social media live video feeds. Callers will soon be able to inform dispatch centers by giving dispatchers...
911 dispatchers working from home: Could it come to the Triangle? (NC)
More 911 dispatchers are working remotely from home. In an unassuming co-working space in Person County, Conrad Shadel is answering 911 calls and dispatching police, fire and EMS -- thousands of miles away. READ FULL ARTICLE
Rockland County Boasts New Alternate Emergency Communications Center (NY)
Rockland County's Communications Division initiated a “soft launch” of its new Alternate Emergency Communications Center (AECC) at the New City campus of the Rockland County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday morning.
Leaders outline struggles, benefits associated with ‘journey’ to NG911
ORLANDO—Migrating public-safety answering points (PSAPs) to an IP-based next-generation 911 (NG911) platform is challenging and can include setbacks, leaders of two high-profile NG911 deployment efforts in the states of California and Texas said during an IWCE 2024...
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee Announces Recipients of Public Safety Infrastructure Grants
In a significant move to bolster public safety infrastructure across Rhode Island, Governor Dan McKee unveiled today the recipients of a matching grant program aimed at financing crucial facility projects. The initiative, titled the Municipal Public Safety...
Greeley Police Department closer to building real-time information center as technology (CO)
A $2.4 million police initiative could change the nature of 911 responses in Greeley as soon as this year. Greeley City Council this week gave first approval to appropriate public safety tax funds to build a real-time information center for the Greeley Police...
Madison County earmarked for $1.5 million in 911 radio system overhaul (NC)
MARSHALL - Madison County's 911 radio system overhaul project received some more good news earlier this month in a continued trend that has seen the county revitalize a system one local fire chief once called "about the sorriest in the nation."
U.S. House Passes Spanberger’s Legislation to Provide $637195 for Security (VA)
The U.S. House of Representatives today voted to pass U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger’s legislation that would provide $637,195 for renovations, security enhancements, and upgraded equipment to prevent the disruption of government operations at the Emergency...
LCECC invites community to ‘Adopt-a-Dispatcher’ during National Public Safety(KS)
Lyon County Emergency Communications Center is once again inviting the community to adopt local dispatchers while celebrating National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week next month.
After 32 years on the line, longtime police dispatcher retires
Dispatchers are often tasked with helping people in crisis — from fires to heart attacks to acts of violence. But longtime Powell Police Department dispatcher Bobbie Colvin says the hardest part of the job is being “only a voice.” While they send officers and other...
Ground broken on state-of-the-art San Bernardino County Valley Communications Center (CA)
San Bernardino County law enforcement, fire and government officials hailed the dawn of what they described as a new era in emergency response and disaster preparedness in the region as they broke ground on a new communications center to serve the county.
Family of Kyle Plush receive update on changes made to 911 call center following son’s death (OH)
CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Nearly six years after Kyle Plush died after repeatedly calling 911 for help, his family is getting an update on improvements the city of Cincinnati promised to make.
Westcomm breaks ground on new dispatch center in Chicopee (MA)
CHICOPEE — Elected officials, first responders and more gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony of a new regional emergency communications center to be built at the old Salter College site at 645 Shawninigan Dr. The new center is set to enhance and revolutionize the...
AccessSOS aiming to make text to 911 more accessible (VA)
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News3 hrs 43 mins ago
Congressional Funds for Cuyahoga County to Promote Environmental Stewardship (OH)
Funding will support the Fresh Water Institute, upgrades to 911 systemCUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – Cuyahoga County is set to receive Congressional funding to strengthen our environmental sustainability and enhance our public safety infrastructure. Congresswoman Shontel M. Brown and Congressman Max Miller recently announced monies specifically for the Cuyahoga Fresh Water Institute and upgrades to the Cuyahoga Emergency Communications 911 System (CECOMS).Congresswoman Shontel M. Brown has allocated over $13 million in federal funding for Northeast Ohio, including $500,000 to implement the Cuyahoga Fresh Water Institute. The Fresh Water Institute will advance freshwater initiaves in the areas of economic development, education, research and advocacy.”Congresswoman Brown is committed to the health and well-being of Cuyahoga County residents,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. “Her investment in the Fresh Water Institute will bolster our efforts to connect our residents to the region’s vast freshwater resources.”Congressman Max Miller announced his support of a package containing resources for 15 projects important to Ohio communities, including technological enhancements to the Cuyahoga Emergency Communications 911 System. CECOMS, a 24/7 public safety call answering system, is vitally important to the safety and well-being of all County residents.”Congressman Miller has improved the safety of all Cuyahoga County residents with his support of the Cuyahoga County 911 System upgrade project,” said County Executive Chris Ronayne. “The new technology will advance our emergency dispatch systems for more seamless coordination across communities. We will be better able to pinpoint where help is needed and send it immediately.”Cuyahoga County is the geographic and economic core of the Greater Cleveland Metropolitan Area. With over 1.2 million residents, it is the second-most-populous county in the State of Ohio. The County promotes sustainability, regional growth, public safety, economic opportunity, individual well-being, regional collaboration, and superior services. To learn more about Cuyahoga County services, visit cuyahogacounty.gov.
Council slows communications proposal
The Daviess County Council put a hold on a request that would improve communication with first responders due to cost.“I believe the need is large enough to justify this $800,000 expense. The end result will be a county-wide communication system that all first responders can use in all areas. The end result is better response and communications for everyone,” said Daviess County Chief Deputy Sheriff Steve Sturgis. “I don’t think you can ever go wrong with improving public safety. That is why this is beneficial.”The proposal includes an almost $600,000 infrastructure project that would include adding a tower and upgrading the three existing towers. It would also include $267,000 for new radios for volunteer fire departments.
“I am a fan for the safety and security of our citizens, for sure. It would be a good thing, but at what cost? Even if we pay for the infrastructure, someone still has to come up with $267,000 for the radios,” said county council president Tom Schaffer. “I don’t know what the big rush is all of a sudden. We have a good system. What they want to do is expand it by adding a fourth tower. It seems like a lot of money to me, $600,000, to do that.”Sturgis told the council he believed that between the sheriff’s department, prosecutor’s office and the county’s E911 fund, they could cover about $100,000 of the cost.A check of available money in E911 accounts indicated that money may not be available.
“We thought we had found $100,000 that we could put toward it for the fire department radios, but after our discussions with the council, we need to go back and see what money is available,” said Sturgis. “I am going to get together with some of the council members and see where the money can come from.”“Even if they come back and say they can cut out $300,000, I don’t know that we could afford the other $300,000 right now. I think we need to see some of the dust settle on projects we are working on now. We are paying on the annex and the courthouse renovations,” said Schaffer. “There is always something that needs attention. Eventually, something is going to break. Something is going to pop-up.”The council is expected to continue discussion on the proposed improvements at the next meeting.In other business, the council appointed Schaffer, vice-president Marilyn McCullough, and Matt Meredith to serve on the wage committee. The committee will investigate and determine where wages should be set during the next budget session.The council approved a new software for the auditor’s office that will give county departments better access to the auditing system. The cost will be $4,000.The council appropriated $17,290 for benefits for a new employee in the clerk’s office, spent $4,850 on a new copier, allocated $17,806 in grant funding for Adult Protective Services, approved spending on a $10,000 grant for the Daviess County Health Department, and approved a $2,000 internal transfer for Daviess Superior Court to provide uniforms for the court staff.
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Podcast
FirstNet and the 4.9 GHz Spectrum
This episode dives into the critical evolution of public safety communications, focusing on the recent FCC decision to establish a nationwide Band Manager framework for the 4.9 GHz spectrum, and discuss the evolution and deployment of the FirstNet System. Host Chris Tubbs interviews Chief Jeff Johnson, a leader in public safety technology and the development of FirstNet. Together, they explore the history, governance, and transformative potential of FirstNet and the 4.9 GHz spectrum in enhancing public safety operations with emerging technologies like AI, 5G, and augmented reality. The discussion emphasizes the importance of protecting and optimizing public safety spectrum, the lessons learned from past advocacy efforts, and a call to action for public safety leaders to remain engaged in ensuring the spectrum’s effective use and governance.
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Accessing Federal Resources When an Emergency or Major Disaster Strikes
In light of the major disasters that our nation has recently experienced, PS Grants is offering this FREE webinar to review Disaster Assistance Programs and how to access them. Learn what federal funds and resources are available through Disaster Assistance, understand the process of requesting assistance, know what to expect before, during, and after, and find out who to contact for help.
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