New Dispatch System, Mobile CAD to Better Connect 911 & First Responders
Brian Short, director of Vance County Emergency Operations, was on WIZS’ Town Talk program Tuesday to provide updates on the 911 call center’s new computer-aided dispatch system.
Short, who has been the director of emergency operations since 1997, said his entire staff has been working diligently on replacing the old computer system over the past two months. “We replaced our entire system at significant cost, but it was a cost that was covered by the 911 surcharge fees that everyone pays on their cell phone and landline phone bills.”
As with any new system, Short said staff members and telecommunicators are still learning the ropes. “We are still recovering from the update and learning the new system. People are becoming more proficient every day.”
“We had 19 years to get used to the old system,” said Short. “The new system does so much more and improves our ability to get help to people quicker.”
The second phase of the new system includes a Mobile CAD component that will essentially place the new computer-aided dispatch system used in the call center into the vehicles of first responders.
“Our goal is to have every responder online with the system by this Christmas, including police cars, sheriff cars, fire trucks, ambulances and animal control officers,” Short said.
Mobile CAD will allow the call center to view every responders’ location on a map at all times, thus allowing telecommunicators to assign the available officer that can respond the quickest to an emergency situation.
The mobile system will also provide responders with more detailed information about a location including codes for gated communities, after-hours contact information for businesses and a call-history of a particular address.
According to Short, he and Assistant Director Jason Reavis, along with several police officers, are currently beta testing the mobile system and “getting the bugs out” before going live.
“It [mobile system] enables us to respond much quicker and allows for real-time sharing of data between the call center and the field units,” said Short.
Oxford’s ‘Music on Main’ Series Continues With BIG LOVE
-Information courtesy the Oxford NC, Historic Downtown Facebook page
Music on Main – Downtown Oxford
Friday, August 24, 2018, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Streets will begin closing at 3 p.m.
Performance by BIG LOVE.
Bring a lawn chair, blanket, bug spray and your dancing shoes for a night of family fun!
(This is not a paid advertisement)
Maria Parham Health’s Volunteer Services to Host “Books Are Fun” Sale
-Information courtesy Lisa Radford, Volunteer Coordinator, Maria Parham Health
Attention Book Lovers…
Volunteer Services of Maria Parham Health will be hosting a “Books Are Fun” sale in the John T. Church classroom on Wednesday, September 19 fro 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Thursday, September 20 from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
This sale brings a variety of gadgets, electronics (toys, speakers, health items), pots/pans, books and so much more.
Open to the public.
City of Oxford Seeking Local Photographs for Annual Greeting Card
-Information courtesy the City of Oxford website
The City of Oxford would like to feature local scenes on the front of its annual greeting card. We invite photographers of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels to enter their best photos for a chance to be featured on the front of the City of Oxford’s 2018 or 2019 card, with authorship specified on the back of the card.
To be eligible, the photo must be taken within the City limits and must be scenes that are appropriate for winter or the holiday season from Thanksgiving through New Year’s.
Entries may be submitted in person to the City Clerk at City Hall, 300 Williamsboro Street, Oxford, or by emailing the picture and a brief description of the picture to cbowen@oxfordnc.org.
For more information, please contact Oxford City Hall at 919-603-1100.
Upchurch Charged With Two Counts of Assault With a Deadly Weapon
-Press Release, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Terry M. Wright – Chief of Staff
On August 17, 2018, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Unit arrested Danny Clark Upchurch, a Franklin County resident. Danny Clark Upchurch was charged with two (2) counts of Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury.
This incident is alleged to have occurred on August 5, 2018, at a residence on Ronald Tharrington Road, Louisburg, N.C. 27549.
Danny Clark Upchurch was given an $80,000 bond.
Danny Clark Upchurch – 40 River Forest Lane ~ Kittrell, N.C. 27544
On August 17, 2018, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Unit arrested Danny Clark Upchurch, a Franklin County resident. Upchurch was charged with two (2) counts of Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury.