911-Inc.

FCC Report: 911 Funding Still Scattered & Fuzzy

admin — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 09:06:17 +0000

Most states who collect 911 surcharges are using the funds strictly for 911-related projects, but a just-issued Federal Communications Commission (FCC) report says 10 states are diverting the money to their general fund, compared to just five states a year earlier. The FCC’s report is the second generated in response to a request from Congress [...]

Kids Fly Away, Parents Dial 911

admin — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 09:02:21 +0000

The parents of three Jacksonville (Fla.) teenagers dialed 911 when they found out the trio had left home in a taxi and disappeared. But the 911 calltaker failed to ask key questions of one parent who called, resulting in a low-priority incident classified as a dispute with a taxi driver, and a 90-minute wait for [...]

The Technology Craps Shoot

admin — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:47:00 +0000

As the choices and options abound, making good buying decisions is getting tougher. I have better luck keeping my wife smiling.

FCC Wants Opinions on Radio Gear Competition

admin — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:57:23 +0000

On the heels of a June inquiry from Congress on how much competition there is among radio equipment providers for public safety sales, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is now asking for public comment on the question. “It is imperative that we explore all potential barriers to achieving nationwide interoperability for both broadband and narrowband [...]

Fed Grants Support Regional Broadband Nets

admin — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:46:40 +0000

As part of a $1.8 billion investment in the nation’s broadband infrastructure, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced on Wednesday grants to five regions to build new or improve existing public safety radio systems to handle broadband data. Vice President Joe Biden announced 94 broadband grants that expand Internet access, mostly for rural and [...]

State’s Early Retirement Plan May Hit Dispatchers

admin — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 07:58:58 +0000

An early retirement bill proposed by New York Gov. David Patterson (D) and passed by the legislature is now being considered by local governments as a way to reduce expenses and meet budget goals. The bill would allow local cities and towns to temporarily approve retirements at age 55 with 25 years of service, or [...]

Family Files Lawsuit Over Dog Shooting

admin — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:34:30 +0000

A Colorado couple has filed a civil lawsuit in federal court after a Commerce City officer arrived at their home to investigate a hang-up 911 call, and fatally shot their dog. The officer said she feared for her life as the 35-pound, mixed-breed dog and two other dogs approached her in the front yard. Officer [...]

Airborne Search and Rescue

admin — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:02:00 +0000

The quick location and medical treatment of the victims are crucial to the successful outcome of the search and rescue mission.

Tragedy Strikes Wash. State Patrol

admin — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 23:02:11 +0000

A nighttime fire destroyed the home of a husband and wife who were long-time members of the Washington State Patrol, killing them both and a rookie state police trooper who was temporarily residing with the couple. Anne Miller-Hewitt, director of the WSP’s Wenatchee communications center and its 15 dispatchers, died in the fire, along with [...]

Second NJ Court Case on Dispatcher Immunity

admin — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:29:12 +0000

For the second time in one week, a New Jersey appeals court has reversed a lower court’s ruling of immunity for public safety dispatchers who are plaintiffs in a lawsuit that alleges they mishandled 911 calls. As in the previous case, the court analyzed the state’s existing immunity laws and found they applied only to [...]