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Text Messaging to 911 May be Available in Lewis County by Spring
10/13/17 08:00am
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    Lowville, NY- The Courts and Law committee of the Lewis County Board of
    Legislators on Thursday heard plans from Lewis County 911 Operations
    Coordinator Cheryl LaLonde to implement Next Generation 911 (NG911)
    capabilities by next spring.

    NG911 would allow the public to send text messages to 911 dispatchers, and
    will eventually be a requirement according to Ms. LaLonde. Launching the
    system would require about $3,000 in hardware at the 911 center and about
    $1,450 a year in maintenance costs. Ms. LaLonde said her department has
    grant money for the 911 system to use for the project.

    The committee approved sending the proposal for the entire board to consider
    at their November meeting.

    Ms. LaLonde said she didn't expect huge numbers of 911 text messages, but it
    adds another way for dispatchers to assist in an emergency.

    Legislator Andrea Moroughan said the system could be helpful in instances of
    domestic violence, where a victim may not be able to call 911 but could
    potentially send a text message. Legislator Jerry King pointed out there are
    some areas in the county where you can send and receive texts, but not make
    calls, noting it could be beneficial during snowmobile or ATV accidents.

    If approved, the new system could be in place by spring.
Photo: Lewis County 911 Dispatch Center in March of 2016 after
Renovations Completed