(06/29/07) - Yet another partnership between
Akron and Summit County is about to lead to greater public safety for Akron and
surrounding communities. Mayor Don Plusquellic is requesting Akron City Council authorize
the Akron Police Department to pursue a $6 million grant from the U.S Department of
Justice to further enhance the work of emergency forces.The grant would establish a
regional data sharing network benefiting emergency service workers, including traditional
first responders.
"This will greatly assist in serving the community every day," said Mayor
Plusquellic. "But, it will be invaluable in the event of a man-made or natural
disaster."
Multi-jurisdiction response requires coordination, communication and sharing of vital
information among many public safety agencies and often includes state and federal
agencies. Funding would come from the COPS Technology Grant Program and would help
complete the interoperability mission that began more than 10 years ago in Summit County.
"We have done a great deal of work already to ensure we have flawless voice
communication among public safety jurisdictions in the county," said Akron Deputy
Mayor for Public Safety George Romanoski. "This partnership with Summit County now
brings data transmission into the picture to form a complete communications package that
will increase public safety."
One week ago, the City and County announced a joint venture that will, by August, lead
to wireless phone compatibility with the 9-1-1 emergency phone system, allowing emergency
operators to pinpoint the locations of callers using cellular phones to contact 9-1-1.
