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in recent montns some oi tne nre compames say calls come in late, sometimes with inaccurate information and often the dispatchers seem overwhelmed by other duties. Fire officials claim they need more and better trained dispatchers.
Sheriff Larry Sherertz claims his dispatchers are the hardest working people in his office and he is constantly trying to improve their responses. Dispatchers also are jail matrons and answer all other calls to the sheriff on some shifts.
We think it is time the Board of Supervisors takes an active role in this issue. Afterall, it is the board’s responsibility to see that we have good fire and rescue services.
Meanwhile, average citizens can help. Remember 911 is an emergency number; it is not what we dial when we can’t find a house key or we need directions. It would help if each of us made sure our houses are accessible and well marked.
In the end, improving the dispatching service could cost more tax dollars. But when we have a chest pain like an elephant sitting on top of us, or a kitchen fire has swept into the living room, we’re going to want to hear those sirens roaring up the road. And quickly too.
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