Southwick fire and medical personnel presently carry a small tone-activated pager to communicate medical and fire information to responding personnel. The paging units could be rendered useless in the case of a massive communication failure. A backup dispatch control console could insure all emergency personnel are promptly notified. (Photo by chief photographer Frederick Gore)
SOUTHWICK – The Board of Selectmen approved a reserve fund transfer last night to fund a backup system for the emergency dispatch network.
The $6,000 request was made by Fire Chief Richard Anderson who said the funds would cover the cost of installation of the equipment the department already owns and move it from the police department to the fire station.
“It’s a radio console used to control several radio frequencies that was purchased a few years ago,” said Anderson.
When the new dispatch system was put in place, the console was disconnected. Anderson said it is still in the dispatch room at the police station but is not being used.
“I was looking for some kind of backup in case all the other equipment fails,” Anderson said.
After two separate lightning strikes knocked out power at the police station, rendering the dispatch system useless for a period of time, Anderson said he knew something had to be done in case it ever happened again.
“I was looking at different options to give us backup capabilities and my radio vendor said the console could be used,” said Anderson, who added that the two-foot by two-foot console could link the fire, police and department of public works.
Anderson said the radio console could be used to keep contact open in case the dispatch system goes down again.
“You’re never 100 percent covered, you never know what’s going to happen, but this could ensure I can get tones out in case of a fire,” said Anderson. “My job is to make sure the residents are safe.”
Selectman Russell Fox said $6,000 was worth the reassurance. Chairman Arthur Pinell agreed, especially considering the past history.
“It’s not like we haven’t been struck by lightning . . . a couple of times,” he said.
The board also approved a request for holiday overtime pay also made by Anderson, and tabled a request for $2,000 for volunteer funds.
