HISTORY
 

The Department of Emergency Communications is charged with overseeing the implementation of a new 800-MHz 10-channel public safety radio system and the day-to-day operations of the County’s emergency communications. The new public safety communications radio and tower infrastructure will provide complete and dependable emergency communications coverage for the citizens of St. Mary’s County. The newly constructed Emergency Communications Center houses the County’s centralized emergency response and preparedness activities.

Direct communications to all major response agencies is capable from one operation for enhancement of coordinated responses to any emergency situation. The 24-hours-per day, 7-days-a-week operation provides continuous emergency and routine communications, dispatch to fire/rescue, sheriff/police, animal control and many other emergency or urgent services. Additionally, communications for the police services is available as necessary, along with other local and state agencies operating within the County.

Communications Operators with the Department of Emergency Communications receive emergency 911 calls from the public and dispatch the proper emergency departments or agencies. The Communications Operators are trained in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) and are certified as Emergency Communications Specialists through the Maryland State Numbers Board (MSNB) and Maryland Institute of Emergency Services Systems (MIEMSS). In addition to 911 call-taking and dispatch, the Communications Operators receive routine calls from the public, supply requested information, enter all calls for service in a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, operate radios, and keep appropriate records and logs. Calling-taking includes alarm checks, fire drills, National Weather Service reports, Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant communications and equipment checks, police simulcast functions, transfers, radio reports, and fire/rescue radio transmissions.

Radio Technicians with the Department of Emergency Communications are responsible for performing and coordinating the maintenance and repair calls associated with the radio communications system infrastructure as well as the installation, removal and general maintenance of mobile radios for designated vehicles in St. Mary’s County.