The TribLocal recently published an article discussing a recent presentation to the Des Plaines City Council regarding the city's potential participation in the Regional Emergency Dispatch (RED) Center for fire department dispatch services. The proposal, made by Fire Chief Alan Wax, has sparked debate among council members and local residents.
At the meeting on Monday, the Des Plaines City Council decided to put the proposal on hold after several aldermen raised concerns about potential risks. Ald. Dick Sayad, representing the 4th Ward, voiced his skepticism, stating that he was not confident in the current plan. He urged the council to delay the vote until early September, giving more time for thorough research and evaluation of the proposal.
Sayad emphasized that the RED Center serves 14 towns, and he worried that shifting dispatch responsibilities could lead to critical delays in emergency response times. “Response time is crucial when it comes to saving lives,†he said.
Fire Chief Wax defended the proposal, arguing that joining the RED Center would improve efficiency and reduce costs. The center, which has been operational since 1977, currently handles call-taking, emergency medical instructions, and dispatching for communities like Niles, Prospect Heights, and Wheeling. According to Wax, transferring 911 calls to the center takes less than three to five seconds with no reported issues.
Previously, Des Plaines relied on the North Suburban Emergency Communication Center (NSECC), located in city hall. However, the NSECC was dissolved earlier this year as per an order from the Illinois Commerce Commission. Since then, the city has used its own Des Plaines Emergency Communication Center (DPECC), which has entered into a two-year intergovernmental agreement with Park Ridge to provide dispatch services.
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 to join the RED Center is around $243,000, Wax estimates annual savings of $133,000, making the investment financially viable in the long run. However, the proposal has raised concerns among current dispatchers, particularly those who may lose their jobs if the change goes through.
Rebecca Brink, a DPECC dispatcher, expressed her worries during the meeting. She argued that instead of moving to the regional center, the city should focus on upgrading its current dispatch system. “We are concerned that you’re not hearing our side of the story,†she said, highlighting the importance of maintaining local control over emergency communications.
The Des Plaines City Council is expected to revisit the issue at its next meeting on September 3, where a final decision may be made. The debate reflects broader concerns about balancing cost savings with public safety, as the community weighs the benefits of regional cooperation against the risks of losing direct control over emergency response.
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