With a $2 million investment, the Missouri 911 Board is giving a huge boost to 911 systems across the state. The Missouri Times reports that the additional funding will bring the Show Me state emergency response network up to national standards. The latest grant is part of an ongoing effort to modernize the 911 system in Missouri.
“These are the services that save lives,” said Missouri 911 Directors Association President, Mike Phillips. “It’s been 20 years since we’ve seen any of these 16 Missouri counties move up in their service levels.”
A handful of Missouri counties have inadequate location services, making it difficult for first responders to quickly find those in need. Without up to date technology, these counties are totally reliant on skilled 911 operators who gather information verbally to locate callers. Counties including Douglas, Cedar and Ozark, will be receiving funding to improve answering services and implement text-to-911 capabilities.
“As a former sheriff, I have seen firsthand the lifesaving wonders of our emergency medical professionals and how important it is that we do everything we can to support them,” said Missouri Governor Mike Parson. During his tenure as Polk County Sheriff, Parson saw the need for a multi-county emergency response network, a project coming to fruition while he now serves as governor.
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