Price center leads way in 911 communication

By Sun Advocate

It is a model emergency communications system and its in Carbon County.
The new 911 communications system was officially unveiled last Wednesday in south Price during an open house and recognition ceremony.
Manager of the public safety dispatch program Marjean Hansen and supervisor Marty Estrada were on hand giving tours and sharing with a large number of county and city officials the intricacies and features of the new system.
“We are setting standards for all of rural southeastern Utah,” indicated Hansen as she introduced key county and communication officials who were responsible for the installation.
“This was a join effort by state, city and county programs,” added the dispatch program manager.
The final unveiling was a culmination of years of work, beginning back in 1985 when the 911 system first began.
The center operated on an enhanced system for 12 years prior to the new installation.
“It makes an incredible difference in efficiency,” pointed out Estrada.
The dispatch center supervisor explained that a few of the many features include a data base containing all the names and telephone numbers of emergency units and law enforcement agencies as well as snow removal, animal control and wrecking services.
The system allows dispatchers to dial the numbers automatically with a quick touch.
“It is a very customer friendly system,” added Estrada.
One of the key features is the tracking system. Records will indicate the number listed on the telephone used to contact the dispatch center, whether the caller was put on hold and for how long.
The system will be helpful for quality control and assurance checks.
Another modern feature includes the ability to communicate with people in the community who are hearing impaired. A special touch key program will alert dispatchers of the existing problem.
There are four stations at the center and a total of 11 employees, including two supervisors and the manager.
Money for the upgraded project was accumulated during the years through monthly fees and authorized by the county commissioners.
Since the equipment has been up and running, the local center has become a model for southeastern Utah, with other counties sending emergency personnel to Price to train on the system.