CA Fire Communications Center Improves Dispatch System

A fire communications center that serves more than a dozen California departments has unveiled a new state-of-the-art, computer-aided dispatch software system.

Verdugo Fire Communications center's new system went live at 5 a.m. Tuesday, the Glendale Fire Department, which operates the center, stated in a press release. Thirteen fire departments—Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, Alhambra, Arcadia, Monrovia, Montebello, Monterey Park, San Gabriel, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena and the Hollywood Burbank Airport—will benefit from the change.

The update now allows the center to better manage calls and resources thanks to providing more relevant emergency information to a feature-rich user interface that supports dispatching operations, the department said. The system is expected to allow personnel to make informed decisions concerning calls that come in.

“Essentially, the new CAD improves the flow of information between callers, dispatchers, fire stations, and mobile units," Burbank Deputy Fire Chief Danny Alvarez told My Burbank. "Additionally, enhanced mapping features provide better situational awareness for our field units and more effective response.”

The center's upgrades replace a 30-year-old system, according to My Burbank.