New Dispatch System Up and Running

By 250 News

Dispatcher Christine Halovich takes a call on the new  fire dispatch system

Three and a half years, and $1. 3 million dollars later and the new Fire Dispatch System is  officially up and  , running.  The new improved system  uses a computer  aided  dispatch and records management system to  provide  fire and rescue dispatch services  for the Regional District of Fraser Fort George and the Cariboo Regonal District.  Negotiations are under way to  bring the Kitimat - Stikine region on board as well.

Participating regions  pay a fee for the service, and eventually, says RDFFG  Manager of  Projects and Communication Finlay Sinclair, the system will pay for itself  "The cost savings aren't in year one or two, so I am seeing in a  five year plan  we're going to see those efficiencies and cost savings."

(Dispatchers Christine Halovitch and  Nicole Boechler hold either end of the official  banner for cutting by  Regional District Chsir Art Kaehn, P.G. Mayor Colin Kinsley, and Fire Chief Jeff Rowland )

The addition of the Kitimat-Stikine region will significantly  expand the dispatch area "When that happens" says Regional District of Fraser Fort George Chair Art Kaehn, "thiscenter will be providing dispatch services  from 100 Mile House North to Mackenzie, and from the Alberta border to the Pacific." Kaehn says the system is the best there is " This enhanced service is second to none in B.C."

The dispatch services can give  firefighters and rescue services more detail about the location "Something as simple as the location of fire hydrants, and  proper  road directions can reduce response time" says Prince George Fire Chief Jeff Rowland. The new system provides  firefighters with that information.

There is no  indication at this point if this new system will ever be expanded to also include dispatch of police services. Finlay Sinclair says there have been no discussions on that issue.

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