County to assume emergency dispatch responsibilities beginning November 3rd

CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald announced today the enactment of an agreement with Olmsted Township for the Cuyahoga County Emergency Communications System (CECOMS) to assume control of Olmsted Township's emergency dispatch services later this fall.

"I commend Olmsted Township for being the first community to take advantage of this program in an effort to provide more efficient emergency services at a lower cost to taxpayers," said County Executive FitzGerald. "Olmsted Township has taken the first step, and I'm eager to continue working with additional communities to enhance Cuyahoga County's 9-1-1 infrastructure."

Cuyahoga County Emergency Communications System (CECOMS) is the County's 9-1-1 Center.  Currently, CECOMS answers all wireless 9-1-1 calls in Cuyahoga County and transfers the call to the appropriate Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). By taking over Olmsted Township's emergency dispatch service, CECOMS will be responsible for the following:

1. Answering all incoming 9-1-1, seven digit, wireless and landline calls, and dispatching the appropriate public safety agency.
2. Hiring all call-takers and dispatchers.
3. Training dispatchers, which include Public Safety Telecommunicate Training and Emergency Medical Dispatching.
4. Inputting warrant information and missing persons information into the Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS).

"Olmsted Township looks forward to working with CECOMS," said Olmsted Township Police Chief John Minek. "This partnership will enhance our current dispatch operations as well as reduce overall cost."

Cuyahoga County is providing full dispatch services to Olmsted Township at a low rate of $75,000 annually. The terms of the agreement begin on November 3, 2014; three years with an option for five additional years that either party can terminate within a minimum of 6 months' notice.

"Olmsted Township is one of only two Townships in Cuyahoga County and we recognize the extra obligations for supporting township governments," added Norberto Colon, who serves as FitzGerald's deputy chief of staff. "This was one factor we took into account when offering a reduced rate."

As part of the Cuyahoga County 9-1-1 Consolidation Plan that FitzGerald announced in 2013, CECOMS will continue to reach out to other municipalities in an effort to become a regional dispatch center.