Rockland’s Emergency Communications Officially Operational

Emergency services officials and first responders from throughout Rockland County gathered at the Fire Training Center in Pomona on Friday morning for the dedication of the new $30.4 million Emergency Dispatch 911 Center. The new facility, 13 years in the making, will handle all the county’s cellular 911 calls, dispatch the county’s 26 fire departments and the New York State Police’s Haverstraw barracks. It is also equipped with a radio room that can be utilized by any of the county’s police departments in an emergency.

County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef said, “I think it’s a proud day for Rockland County. The county will be safer as a result of this project.” 

Fire & Emergency Services Director Gordon Wren said responses would be more efficient because of the state of the art facility in the basement of the fire training center. 

Wren, who has worked with Vanderhoef for 20 years, said his support was critical.

“If you look back at those 20 years this little county has faced some major emergencies,” said Wren adding emergency services and the county government worked well together on emergencies affecting the public.

Former Sheriff James Kralik said the primary responsibility of government is public safety. He said three groups of people helped make the project a reality. Kralik said dreamers were those who saw the need and named Vanderhoef and Wren. Enablers were those who moved the idea from a vision to something that materialized. He said Legislative Chair Harriet Cornell and other legislators helped to advance the project.

Kralik said builders were the technical team members including Department of General Services Commissioner Gerald Walsh and Facilities Management Director Robert Gruffi.

The 9,000 square foot communications center has 16 emergency dispatch stations with numerous monitors in addition to screens mounted on the walls. The stations can be raised so staff can easily view the monitors if they are standing or walking around the room. The center will also serve as the hub for the interoperable radio system that will allow the center to directly communicate with police, fire and EMS. Falco said that is expected to be in place in January. 

Vanderhoef said one of the biggest challenges of the project was siting the antennas so there could be service across the county.

County Executive Elect Ed Day said, “I just want to acknowledge all of you all the people who have been part of this. It is a great thing you have done for this county to ensure public safety.”

Day said public safety would remain a top issue during his administration.

Falco spoke about the role of the radio dispatchers whose responsibility include answering 911 calls, ensuring fire alarms are responded to and providing directions or information in medical emergencies.

“Like EMS first responders, radio operators are truly unsung heroes,” said Falco. “They’re workers behind the scenes no TV cameras no media exposure. They’re just experts.”

View photos of the ceremony here.