SHELTON — With the state focusing on regionalization for many services, the Southwestern Regional Communications Center is now poised to answer the call for help for even more area communities.
SWRCC’s recent move from the dark, tight quarters at the old Bridgeport Hospital to 100 Beard Sawmill Road in Shelton has not only provided the organization with upgraded technological capabilities and space but also the amenities necessary to create an improved working environment for the employees whose jobs can be quite stressful.
“With the move and the new site, the culture of the employees has improved and changed,” said Vaughan Dumas, who was hired to head SWRCC last May with an eye toward expanding and rebranding the operation.
“This is not a run-down, worn-out site … it is brand new, with improved technology and a great atmosphere for the employees. It is motivating for the employees. The change in morale has been incredible.”
SWRCC, founded in 1983, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides telecommunication services to municipal fire, police and EMS services as well as hospitals in southwestern Connecticut. Right now, SWRCC provides the service to 16 communities, including the city of Shelton, and six hospitals.
In 2018, SWRCC, which receives the majority of its funding from its municipal clients, but also receives substantial funding from the state of Connecticut as well as individual, foundation and corporate charitable donors, dispatched approximately 105,000 combined service calls. So far this year, SWRCC dispatchers have handled more than 26,000 calls.
