From my source: ASB responsibilities were shift over to EFD in early January. 911 ambulance calls are still received by EPD 911 dispatchers but FD now dispatches the rigs. EMS runs are now being counted as FD runs.
In March, EFD dispatchers will be moved to EPD facilities at 1 Police Plaza and that will become the central dispatching facility for PD/FD/EMS. About a year ago, all civilian PD & FD dispatchers as well as several uniformed PO's & FF's were moved to Fire HQ and cross-trained to receive & dispatch all calls for service. This was done because the dispatch center at EPD was being upgraded to prepared for this.
While I do like the idea of a central dispatch, it makes no sense to me to change a system that wasn't broken in the first place! During this 90 day transition period there seems to be a potential for problems developing. My hope is that the powers that be recognize this and keep a tight rein on the situation. Once all of the bugs are worked out, the new system might work out.
