Top Comm Center Headlines
News & Articles
Rock County 911 Center utilizing new technology (WI)
The Rock County Communications Center is now receiving accurate device location data for 9-1-1 calls from iPhones with iOS 12+ and Android phones version 4.0+, as well as additional emergency data from apps like Uber, wearables, connected homes, and connected cars,...
Mineral County 911 dispatchers now considered “first responders” (WV)
KEYSER, W.Va. — Mineral County 911 dispatchers will be recognized as “first responders” after the Mineral County Commission approved a resolution presented by Luke McKenzie, director of the county’s Office of Emergency Services. “When people think of first...
Sioux Falls Police: Don’t Use Social Media as 9-1-1 (SD)
SIOUX FALLS, S.D.- Social media has made it easier to communicate, but Sioux Falls Police want to remind folks that it doesn’t work for everything. When it comes to reporting tips and crimes, the “old fashioned” way works best. Like many organizations, the...
Snow keeps 911 dispatchers busy
The phones were ringing much more than usual today at Winnebago County’s 911 dispatch center. About 450 calls came in between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. That’s more than twice as many as last week Wednesday. There were almost 100 crashes...
Police dispatcher was watching Netflix while woman begged for help after drive-by shooting
A 911 dispatch supervisor in South Florida was watching a movie on Netflix while a caller tried to get help after someone shot her car's windshield. According to the Associated Press, an internal affairs investigation found Julie Vidaud was watching "I Am Mother"...
Brown County dispatchers answered 536 calls during snowy commute (WI)
BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WBAY) - Brown County emergency dispatchers received more than 500 calls Wednesday morning as drivers crashed and slid off roads during a snowy commute. "It's going to be a two-vehicle accident, head-on. Unknown injuries at this time. Unknown...
County Responds To 9-1-1 Questions (GA)
The commissioners met with former commissioner and current candidate Irvin Dasher last week regarding the new 9-1-1 plan to have a 9-1-1 call center in the county. Dasher asked what the projected costs for such a facility would be, why the county needs...
Texting 911 dispatchers now available in Morgan County (AL)
MORGAN COUNTY, Ala. (WAFF) - In Morgan County, there’s now more than one way to contact 911. You can call, you can video chat with them and now, you can text. The new feature works like any normal text you would send. You send the message to 911, say you need help and...
Increased carbon monoxide poisoning during Public Safety Power Shutoffs (CA)
TEHACHAPI, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Adventist Health announced at least four Tehachapi-area residents have been hospitalized in the last two weeks after suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning incurred after improperly heating their homes during ongoing Public...
This Small Team of Dispatchers Saves Lives Via Satellite
When the message arrived from the Alaskan wilderness, it was simple, brief, and urgent: tipped raft. The two paddlers who sent it had just almost drowned, and their food and gear had disappeared downriver. But they had one thing going for them, a small, handheld...
Bradenton police dispatcher resigns after inappropriate comments (FL)
Frank Canelli resigned on July 19 amid an internal affairs investigation into allegations of making inappropriate comments.
Coral Springs 911 Call Center Supervisor Suspended, Dispatchers Fired After Botched Response (FL)
CORAL SPRINGS (CBSMiami) – When a bullet shattered her back red VW window and almost hit her head, Guadalupe Herrera called 911. Trouble was Coral Springs police officers never came to help. After a lengthy investigation into how her emergency call was handled, the...
“Everybody in this place with a badge can … die.” Dispatcher quits after anti-cop rants (FL)
A 911 dispatcher is often seen as a lifeline for police officers, providing crucial details they need as they respond to emergencies. Among their duties is to making sure officers are safe, checking in on them during stops and sending back-up when needed. They are not...
Mankato Public Safety staff recognized for life saving efforts (MN)
MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - The City of Mankato presented new public safety staff while recognizing current staff and their efforts in protecting the Mankato community. New public safety staff took the oath of office while current staff was recognized for their...
Dispatcher honored for saving a life while shopping at Wal-Mart (MO)
Abby Howard has been working as a communications operator for the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop H headquarters for the last four years. She never was in a real life-saving situation until August 2, 2019 when she came to the assistance of Jordan Samsone. "I've...
Dispatcher streams Netflix, officers notified of shooting 30 minutes later, report says (FL)
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. - A Netflix movie led to a Coral Springs dispatch supervisor’s suspension after officers never responded to a shooting call in June, an internal affairs report concluded. Just before 7 p.m. on June 9, Guadalupe Herrera called 911 after someone...
911 Dispatcher Allegedly Watched Netflix During Shooting Call, Leading to 34-Minute Response (FL)
An emergency dispatch supervisor streamed a Netflix movie as a Florida woman frantically placed two 911 calls for help after a drive-by shooting, ultimately generating no response from officers for more than 30 minutes before the woman drove to the police station...
Former SC dispatcher, law enforcement officer sentenced to life in prison for murder of wife (SC)
LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. (WBTV) - Former Chester County dispatcher and law enforcement officer James Baldwin has been found guilty of the 2016 murder of his wife Judy Orr Baldwin. Judge Dan Hall sentenced James Baldwin to life in prison. The guilty verdict and life...
Driving innovation for disaster response to support America’s first responders and build resilient communities
By John Fleming, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development; Dr. Walter G. Copan, Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and NIST Director; and Acting CEO Edward Parkinson, First Responder Network Authority
Never is the nexus of public safety response and economic impact more prevalent than during a disaster. From flooding to hurricanes and wildfires, during a disaster, it is imperative that public safety and local officials have the best tools and technologies to save lives. Having this critical response infrastructure is also instrumental in helping local economies recover and remain resilient into the future. That’s why three agencies within the U.S. Department of Commerce – the Economic Development Administration (EDA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) are working together to help foster innovations in response and resiliency technologies.
This article appears in eda.gov dated November 6, 2019.
To read the full article please click on the button below.
READ FULL ARTICLE
State Police to hold dispatcher exam (NY)
PLATTSBURGH — For North Country residents looking for a new calling, a job could just be an exam away. The New York State Police will be holding exams for communication specialist positions across the state. The exam for Troop B will take place on Jan.11, 2020, at...
UPCOMING EVENTREGISTER>
The Inaugural Howard C. Liebengood Foundation Symposium: The Evolving Law Enforcement Landscape & the First Responder Mental Health Crisis
Wednesday, September 30 to Thursday, October 1, 2026
Law enforcement is operating in one of the most demanding environments in modern history. Shifting public expectations, critical incidents, and ongoing organizational pressures have reshaped the profession, and the impact on officer health and agency stability has never been greater. This inaugural symposium convenes law enforcement leaders, mental health and health care experts, researchers, and bipartisan policymakers to explore practical, evidence-informed solutions. Grounded in research and lived experience, this symposium focuses on translating knowledge into action.
Over two days, participants will examine the evolving policing landscape, confront the profession’s mental health crisis—including elevated rates of suicide, PTSD, depression, and anxiety—and identify strategies to strengthen resilience, crisis response, and organizational leadership.
SURVEY
PSBTA Releases Survey on First Responder Support for FirstNet Reauthorization
New Survey: First Responders Overwhelmingly Support Reauthorization of FirstNet
A new bipartisan national survey commissioned by the Public Safety Broadband Technology Association finds near- unanimous support among first responders for reauthorizing the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority)– the agency overseeing America’s dedicated public safety broadband network.
PETITIONS
Congress should reauthorize the FirstNet Authority now.
Support the reauthorization of the FirstNet Authority to preserve public safety’s network
PSBTA UPDATES
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.
LISTEN TO PODCAST
GRANTS
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.
REGISTER
Subscribe to Comm Center News
Get the latest News, Articles, and Insights from AllThingsECC.com weekly in our newsletter.
PARTNERS
Stay Up to Date With The Latest News & Updates
Share Your Story
Join our community to share your experience and connect and collaborate with colleagues.
Join Our Newsletter
Get the latest News, Articles, and Insights from AllThingsECC.com weekly in our newsletter.
Follow Us
Stay connected with the latestEmergency Communications News, Articles & Information.



