New 911 Call Center opens

Now, after more than a decade of planning, the Guam Fire Department has finally launched its next generation-911 system in Hagatna.

Acting Chief Joey San Nicolas has been a part of the long journey to update the critical system. 

"It’s been a long road," he said. "For me a rather emotional day."

San nicolas recalled the hours put in by all involved to make this a reality.

"The E911 center processes over 50,000 calls a year with at least 17,000 requiring online emergency medical instruction. GFD has struggled to replace an antiquated E911 system for several year."

It was a message shared more than a decade ago.

Late Monday afternoon, the ribbon was cut signifying the launch of the new system set to take its first official call this wednesday.  

The fire chief said it includes all this and some.

"From automatic caller identification, location address recall, call history to real time tracking of cell phone callers and response units on a digital map to transference of importance case information through computer aided dispatch platform that shoots directly from the dispatch work station to the responding units in the field," San Nicolas said. 

It's a service that is done around the clock and expected to go uninterrupted.

 

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero tested the system out herself through a simulated 911 call. 

"911 where is your emergency," she responded into a headset. "We have dispatched an engine to your location so I just want you to remain calm, take some nice deep breaks and maybe you want to sit down and time your labor and time the contractions."

The major technological improvements will allow the center to regain focus on its mission.

"Saving lives because time matters, getting the right resources to the right location and making sure our personnel even police officers and any other agency get the right information prior to arriving to ensure safety of response personnel," he said.