The 'Next-Gen 9-1-1' has been on the radar of first responder administrators for several years and a request by DeWitt County's 9-1-1 Director will help usher in that change.
At the June DeWitt County Board meeting, DeWitt County CENCOM Director Tony Harris requested replacements for the three consoles 9-1-1 dispatchers use. He explains there is a console currently that does not work well but in addition to that, they are used 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and have been since they were installed in 2014.
According to Harris, the Next-Gen 9-1-1 is going to require a lot more equipment and this will allow them space for all that equipment.
As mentioned a few weeks ago on Regional Radio following the June meeting, Harris' request turned into another debate on ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds. Sheriff Mike Walker emphasized the importance of this request as well.
When the equipment gets installed, there is a meeting room adjacent to the 9-1-1 dispatchers' room where equipment will be transferred to. Harris says the Next-Gen 9-1-1 could be in DeWitt County as soon as the fall.
