The TribLocal recently published an article detailing a recent presentation to the Des Plaines City Council regarding the potential adoption of the Regional Emergency Dispatch (RED) Center for fire department dispatch services. The proposal, introduced by Fire Chief Alan Wax, has sparked significant debate among city officials and emergency responders.
During Monday’s meeting, the council decided to put the proposal on hold after several aldermen raised concerns about possible delays in emergency response times. Alderman Dick Sayad, representing the 4th Ward, voiced his doubts, stating that he was not confident in the current plan. He urged the council to delay the vote until early September to allow for further evaluation of the proposal.
Sayad emphasized that with 14 towns already part of the RED Center, the city could face critical delays in emergency response, which he described as "of the essence in saving lives." He argued that the decision should not be rushed and that more time was needed to fully understand the implications.
Fire Chief Wax defended the proposal, explaining that joining the RED Center would lead to improved service and cost savings. The regional center, which has been operational since 1977, currently serves 14 communities, including Niles, Prospect Heights, and Wheeling. It handles call-taking, pre-arrival medical instructions, and fire dispatching, with transfers taking less than three to five seconds, according to Wax.
Previously, the city relied on the North Suburban Emergency Communication Center (NSECC), located in city hall. However, the NSECC was dissolved earlier this year as mandated by the Illinois Commerce Commission. Since then, the Des Plaines Emergency Communication Center (DPECC) has been handling dispatching duties, though it is now offering its services to the Park Ridge police and fire departments under a two-year intergovernmental agreement.
Park Ridge is also considering joining the RED Center, with a vote planned for September. Wax noted that both departments must either stay together in DPECC or move to the regional center.
While the initial cost of joining the RED Center is estimated at $243,000, Wax said the city would see annual savings of around $133,000. However, the proposal has raised concerns among current dispatchers, particularly the five who may lose their jobs. Some fear that callers under stress might become confused during the transfer and either hang up or waste time re-explaining their location.
Rebecca Brink, a DPECC dispatcher and one of the city’s 17 dispatchers, urged the council to reconsider the proposal. She argued that instead of moving to the regional center, the city should invest in upgrading its current dispatch infrastructure.
“We are concerned that you’re not hearing our side of the story,†Brink said, emphasizing the importance of listening to frontline workers.
The Des Plaines City Council is expected to revisit the issue at its next meeting on September 3, where a final vote is anticipated.
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