New Logan County 911 mobile communications center slated for full operation by end of July
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Logan County 911 has a new tool designed to keep emergency communications running during disasters and other emergencies.
Robert Fields | WVOW News
LOGAN Director Ted Sparks discussed Logan County 911's new Mobile Communication Center during an appearance Thursday on MetroNews Midday. The 35-foot camper-style unit was built by Mobile Concepts Specialty Vehicles in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, and functions as a fully self-contained mobile 911 center.
Sparks said the trailer is equipped with the same next-generation 911 technology used inside Logan County's primary communications center, allowing dispatchers to answer emergency calls and coordinate first responders from virtually anywhere.
The project was partially funded through a U.S. Department of Homeland Security grant. Sparks said the grant did not cover the full requested amount but provided enough funding to purchase what he described as a state-of-the-art mobile communications system.
Although the trailer belongs to Logan County 911, Sparks said it was designed to assist neighboring counties during emergencies as well. Because Logan County and several surrounding counties, including Boone, Lincoln, Mingo and Raleigh, use the same NGA 911 phone system, the trailer can be deployed quickly if another emergency communications center is damaged by fire, flooding or another disaster.
According to Sparks, those counties could have dispatch operations restored in about 20 minutes after the unit arrives. Other counties could also use the trailer, although additional setup time would be required.
The Mobile Communication Center is expected to become fully operational by the end of July.
PHOTO | Logan County 911, Mobile Concepts Specialty Vehicles - Facebook