Question from Anonymous
Please explain why we need the 911 calling system.
Michael Bryant answered:
A consolidated 911 system is essential to the well being and protection of a community. Dialing three simple numbers is the fastest way to get help. It’s the primary form of communications between those in danger and emergency responders.
Calling 911 for help is one of the first things we teach our children.
A consolidated 911 system will better serve the community as a whole. Response times will be quicker. Currently all landline calls for an ambulance and all cell phone calls for the police and fire coming from within the City of Richmond are transferred. A consolidated 911 system would eliminate 99 percent of transferred calls. The only remaining transferred calls would be to the Kentucky State Police and other miscellaneous calls such as out of area calls.
One of the things that hasn’t really been addressed very much is 911’s role in a large scale disaster. Interagency communications is vital in such a disaster. Where to stage, who goes where, and keeping track of resources and personal are just a few of the many issues that must be dealt with in an emergency. All of the dispatchers sitting in one room looking at the big picture means that our first responders and citizens are better protected.
Having two 911 systems means that Richmond residents are getting a different level of service. If you live in Richmond and need an ambulance, police or fire department: there is a good chance that your emergency call will be transferred, in turn that means the ambulance, police cruiser, or fire truck rolls later rather than sooner.
If you live in Berea or in the County and need the police, an ambulance or the fire department the dispatcher that answers your call will dispatch your call.
It's just good common sense to combine the two 911 systems. A unified 911 center will provide better service and faster response times for everyone. All responders will be better informed about what is going on and as a result be safer.
It is a moral obligation for a government to do everything within its power to protect its citizens to the greatest extent possible. It’s the right thing to do for all of the right reasons.
Calling 911 for help is one of the first things we teach our children.
A consolidated 911 system will better serve the community as a whole. Response times will be quicker. Currently all landline calls for an ambulance and all cell phone calls for the police and fire coming from within the City of Richmond are transferred. A consolidated 911 system would eliminate 99 percent of transferred calls. The only remaining transferred calls would be to the Kentucky State Police and other miscellaneous calls such as out of area calls.
One of the things that hasn’t really been addressed very much is 911’s role in a large scale disaster. Interagency communications is vital in such a disaster. Where to stage, who goes where, and keeping track of resources and personal are just a few of the many issues that must be dealt with in an emergency. All of the dispatchers sitting in one room looking at the big picture means that our first responders and citizens are better protected.
Having two 911 systems means that Richmond residents are getting a different level of service. If you live in Richmond and need an ambulance, police or fire department: there is a good chance that your emergency call will be transferred, in turn that means the ambulance, police cruiser, or fire truck rolls later rather than sooner.
If you live in Berea or in the County and need the police, an ambulance or the fire department the dispatcher that answers your call will dispatch your call.
It's just good common sense to combine the two 911 systems. A unified 911 center will provide better service and faster response times for everyone. All responders will be better informed about what is going on and as a result be safer.
It is a moral obligation for a government to do everything within its power to protect its citizens to the greatest extent possible. It’s the right thing to do for all of the right reasons.