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New dispatch to help give personal service
Updated: July 1, 2012 11:29AM
Trying to replace certain parts on River Grove’s emergency dispatch system was almost an impossible task.
“The equipment we had we couldn’t get parts for,” said River Grove Police Chief Rodger Loni. “We were trying to patch it up hodge-podge, but it was way outdated. It didn’t break down, but it couldn’t be serviced anymore.”
River Grove Fire Department submitted and received a $500,000 grant to pay for a new dispatch system and upgrade the dispatcher center in the police department. The demolition of the dispatch center started in March and emergency calls are being taken on a modified system until the new one arrives.
Loni said the new dispatch system should be up soon. The village’s public works department has been renovating the dispatch center to house the new dispatch system.
Along with the new dispatch system they were also able to purchase new radios as well for police officers and firefighters.
River Grove Mayor Marilynn May said she’s happy they were able to get the new dispatch equipment.
“I’m looking forward to the update,” she said. “It will be good for the community. We can surely use it.”
Loni said the new dispatch center would better serve the public.
“As far as public safety goes we’re catching up with technology and keeping up services with little or no cost to the taxpayers,” he said. “Just the clarity and overall reliability of the radio system will be increased.”
He said it will add to how they serve the public, which often becomes personal.
“Ninety percent of the people who call in we know who they are and have and idea of what their problem is,” he said. “We have that one-on-one kind of relationship with them and it’s comforting that they get some personal service and they are not a number.”
