|
|
|
New system links MPD, EMS to wider network
|
By WENDY MITCHELL, Staff Writer
|
A last phase of a plan to improve emergency communications in Mason County has been put into action.
Through multidepartmental cooperation and inspiration, communications between emergency dispatch, law enforcement and fire department members has increased 1,000 percent, Paul Wallingford of the Maysville Police Department said.
In the time since Sept. 11, 2001, Wallingford, along with Mason County Disaster and Emergency Services Director Wayne Muse coordinated efforts with city, county and state officials to tap into Department of Homeland Security Grant money each year, upgrading emergency dispatch capabilities, replacing old radio equipment, and most recently adding mobile data computer systems to two MPD cruisers, two Mason County Sheriff's cruisers and three Maysville Fire Department ambulances.
The new computer system, MDC has been in use for a few weeks now, Wallingford said.
"Information from the computer aided dispatch system, snapshot information and even registration information will be at the fingertips of officers in their cruisers, thanks to this system," Wallingford said. "It takes some load off the dispatcher, who can be very busy at times on different calls."
For both the police and fire departments, MDC means quick mapping of call addresses which leads to quicker response times.
 |
| Maysville Fire Captain/Paramedic Mark Smith and EMT Rusty Bryant get immediate mapping of EMS calls thanks to Homeland Security grant-funded computers. DES Director Wayne Muse wrote the grant for the fire department portion of the award. Three ambulances have been equipped with the computers. -- Wendy Mitchell/staff |
"They will have mapping information right in their vehicle, in front of them as current as the state or Buffalo Trace Area Development District has it available," Wallingford said.
Because of the type of information responders would be able to access, police officers have to complete special training, Wallingford said.
"All four officers who are using the systems have completed their training," he said.
EMS personnel will have the mapping information and access to a system which will eventually allow them to transmit run sheets from ambulances, said MFD Capt. Mark Smith.
"This is all another tool at our disposal to increase the capabilities of the officers in the field," Wallingford said.
Working together has helped Mason County law enforcement agencies and fire departments in the past, but funds provided through DHS grants have brought the departments even closer.
The MDC system channels information from Kentucky State Police communications relays from Dry Ridge and Morehead KSP Posts, Wallingford said.
"We are working with Kentucky State Police in Frankfort to see if there is a way to enhance the signal accessibility from down here. The current connectivity is about 75 percent. Just like with cellular phone service, with time the signals improved as more equipment was put into place," he said.
While local DHS grant requests had originally been for nearly $910,000, the $90,000 received was appreciated.
"You can see what we have done with the money. It was not squandered. Our audits by the DHS have been very favorable," said Muse.
The communications plan may be nearing its end, but plans for improving public safety are never ending.
"We have to rely on the state receiving its DHS money before we can get ours," he said. "It was the cooperation between all theses agencies that helped get what we have and I am sure it will continue as long as the funds are available."
Contact Wendy Mitchell at wendy.mitchell@lee.net or call 606-564-9091, ext. 276. |
|
|
Reader Comments
Comments are limited to 200 words or less.
Add your own comments:
|
Copyright © 2008 Maysville Newspapers, Inc., A Lee Enterprises Publication
This site is protected by applicable copyright laws and no part may be reproduced, transmitted or used in any way other than its intended purpose without the prior written permission of The Ledger Independent. Click here to view The Ledger Independent's privacy policy. |
|
|
Jobs
Homes
Cars