County looks to consolidate 9-1-1 centers

Newton — Encouraged by a state initiative and grant funding, Sussex County is on its way to taking six 9-1-1 centers and consolidating them into one or two technologically advanced dispatch centers. These centers are known as Public Safety Answering Points or PSAPs. When someone in need dials 9-1-1, the PSAP would be there, 24/7, to answer the call and then dispatch the corresponding emergency response services, in accordance with the New Jersey Office of Information Telecommunications Services regulations. In an effort to motivate the state’s 21 counties to investigate the feasibility of consolidating existing 9-1-1 centers into fewer, enhanced 9-1-1 centers, New Jersey’s Office of Emergency Telecommunications Services is funding the first step in the process - a feasibility study. “Twenty out of 24 municipalities in Sussex County asked to participate in the state’s push to consolidate,” said Eskil “Skip” Danielson, the county’s Emergency Management Director. The county received a $60,000 grant from the state to aid in its efforts, and the state also has indicated that additional funding may be available for the eventual consolidation. Earlier this year Sussex County’s Board of Chosen Freeholders voted to approve the hiring of RCC Consultants, Inc. to conduct the feasibility study. According to Danielson, the Florida-based consulting firm, whose headquarters are based in Woodbridge, New Jersey, came highly recommended based on work they performed for the state seven years earlier. “They were one of seven agencies who bid on the contract and were found to be the most responsible party at the lowest price,” said Danielson. Four of the county’s 24 municipalities that currently have their own PSAPs in place - Hardyston, Newton, Sparta, and Vernon - were reluctant to join in the consolidation effort initially, according to Danielson, but have since come onboard. Each of the municipalities’ EMS agencies, fire and police departments, existing 9-1-1 centers, and elected officials already have met with RCC representatives, both one-on-one and in small groups, to discuss the study process. Public officials were encouraged to submit in writing their own input, suggesting what the new system might entail. According to Danielson, the majority of reports has been submitted, and will be used to assist RCC in gaining a clear picture of the current 9-1-1 systems in place, which first came into use around 1992-93. Upgrades already are under way for the older 9-1-1 systems, said Danielson, with officials now looking to the results of the current feasibility study to help determine the county’s next steps for a 9-1-1 system with “greater effectiveness, efficiency and economy.” The study is expected to be completed within six months.