The three member APCO study team meets with local officials Wednesday for an exit report on the conclusion of their 3-day visit to examine the proposed consolidation of police and medical dispatch centers into a single location
A three member team of communications specialists representing the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) completed a three day visit to Fremont County Wednesday as part of a study of the proposed consolidation of dispatch centers in Fremont County. The team visited with dispatchers in both Cañon City and Florence Police dispatch centers. They also met individually with the principal agencies involved including the two police departments, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Department, the Cañon City Area Fire Protection District, Cañon City and Florence municipal officials, and members of the E 9-1-1 Authority.
In a wrap up session Wednesday with the full dispatch committee, team leader Judith Weshinskey-Price of Amarillo, Texas, reported that the team expects to issue a detailed written summary of their recommendations to the committee within 30 days. She said all three team members agree that consolidation of the two dispatch centers is the way to proceed. She said the team will deliver a very comprehensive report covering issues including the most favorable location, staffing levels, governing structures, recommendations for management and equipment, and funding options. Price told the group, “The biggest strength you have is that you agree it’s a good idea to move towards consolidation”.
Team member Brent Lee of Carson City, Nevada, said the agencies involved in a consolidated dispatch center will need to start putting aside some money to meet the future needs of staffing costs and equipment upgrades. He said bare minimum funding levels “won’t cut it”.
The $25,000 APCO study was funded by a $15,000 grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, $10,000 from the E 9-1-1 Authority, and $600 matching funds from the cities of Cañon City and Florence, Fremont County, and the Cañon City Fire District.