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Top Comm Center Headlines
News & Articles
Allegheny County to create new 911 communications system (PA)
Allegheny County plans to overhaul its countywide public safety radio communications system. Allegheny County Emergency Services has contracted with the telecommunications company Motorola to create the new system, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald announced Thursday.
A 911 Dispatcher Sent Police to the Wrong Kentucky Home. Then They Shot a Man Inside.
A Kentucky man is suing the state police after they allegedly wrongfully entered his home and shot him – in a series of events that his lawyer compared to a John Grisham novel.
Sedalia officials say 911 harassment ordinance yields results (MO)
City officials say an anti-harassment ordinance implemented by the city of Sedalia has reduced the number of non-emergency harassment calls to 911.
Struggles with Static: Prince Edward looks to replace radio system (VA)
FARMVILLE – Prince Edward County Sheriff Tony Epps hears the problem every night. It’s not something that can be fixed with extra manpower or volunteers. And in some cases, it can cause issues when one of his men is responding to a call. “I listen to my guys...
‘Not acceptable’: MBTA police dispatch contract slammed by state watchdog (MA)
The state’s top watchdog has concluded that the MBTA showed apparent bias and favoritism when selecting a police dispatch vendor five years ago, saying in a newly released report that two other interested companies were unfairly iced out.
Boone leaders lambast proposal for App State campus 911 call center (NC)
BOONE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Town leaders are upset about Appalachian State University’s plans to create a 911 call center on campus. Boone officials held an emergency meeting to discuss the proposal Friday. Local leaders say the university’s plan could slow...
Pa. officials secure future funding of 911 services
The law extends the 911 program through Jan. 31, 2029, and will bring an additional $47.7 million per year due to an increase in the monthly phone surcharge from $1.65 to $1.95 approved through Jan. 31, 2026. READ FULL ARTICLE
Tucson 311 non-emergency line aims to help take the strain off 911 system and dispatchers (AZ)
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - Calling 911 is not the best option for non-emergency services, but many still use it. To help combat this, the City of Tucson now has 311, a fully operational, non-emergency number people can call as an alternative to 911.
People called for help outside a closed Cleveland ER. 911 dispatchers couldn’t understand them (OH)
That's when the man, who said he was suicidal, homicidal and having chest pains, told the dispatcher — more than two months after the ER shut down — that the ER was closed, a recording of the 911 call shows. After a few minutes, the dispatcher finally understood the...
APCO International Announces New Chief Technology Officer
PRESS RELEASE Alexandria, VA – APCO International officially announced that Stephen Devine has accepted the positioned ofChief Technology Officer (CTO). Mr. Devine joins APCO after previously serving as the Lead Strategist – PublicSafety Communications, 9‐1‐1 &...
Off-duty dispatcher helps Attleboro police arrest two accused of oil theft (MA)
Attleboro police said an off-duty dispatcher helped in the arrest of two men accused of stealing oil Friday morning. READ FULL ARTICLE
Lorain County Common Pleas judge orders commissioners not to vote (OH)
The Lorain County Commission was ordered not to vote by a judge on whether to purchase an emergency communications system.
Some Oakland residents are waiting 20 minutes or longer to reach 911 operators (CA)
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Oakland is failing to meet the state standard when it comes to responding to 911 emergencies. New data analyzed by the ABC7 News I-Team shows the city's response is worsening, even after a warning from the state - and it's threatening access...
Overhaul of St. Lawrence County Public Safety Complex will put police, DA, 911 under one roof (NY)
In a groundbreaking move, St. Lawrence County officials are preparing for the first significant renovations to the Public Safety Complex, 49 Court St., since its construction in 1994. County Administrator Ruth A. Doyle said the expansive project includes a major...
Tulsa 911 Dispatcher Recovering From Strokes Shares His Story On Recovery (OK)
A 911 Dispatcher who had a stroke at work, and then another one just days later, says this has been the hardest time he's gone through. He says he's doing his best to get stronger but is worried about how he's going to provide for his family.
Mississippi emergency dispatcher pleads guilty to stealing thousands by altering timesheets
A Mississippi emergency dispatcher pleaded guilty to stealing thousands of dollars from taxpayers by altering her timesheets. Mississippi State Auditor Shad White announced Monday that Shannon Taylor, former Newton County Emergency Services Dispatcher, pleaded guilty...
Police in New Castle County set to implement 911 video stream option (DE)
County officials told Action News this could help law enforcement solve crime NEW CASTLE COUNTY, Delaware (WPVI) -- Starting on Monday, getting help in an emergency will become much easier in New Castle County, Delaware.
‘We’re just sitting tight’: Cut fiber line takes Ponca Hills internet-based emergency service offline (NE)
After a 3.5-day internet outage left the Ponca Hills Fire Station without a critical service for public safety, CenturyLink says services have been restored. Ponca Hills Fire Chief Joel Sacks called KETV Investigates after his station had been without internet service...
Police: Harrison Police Department dispatcher caught with over 1000 child porn images (NJ)
A Harrison Police Department dispatcher was arrested for possessing over 1,000 images of child pornography after a joint investigation between the Harrison and Secaucus Police Departments, as well as the New Jersey State Police, authorities said.
Sugar Land set to build $46 million public safety and EOC complex and public safety training center (TX)
Sugar Land City Council recently approved a resolution to utilize the construction manager at risk (CMAR) procurement method to build a new emergency operations center (EOC) and dispatch center.
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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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Webinar
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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