Central dispatch reports tri-county active-shooter exercise, network upgrades and new hires

Eaton County Central Dispatch told the Safety Committee on Sept. 4 that dispatch staff participated in a full-scale active-violence exercise at Mason High School together with Clinton and Ingham counties and have completed infrastructure and staffing upgrades.

Dispatch staff said they led the second-afternoon scenario at the Mason High School exercise and used their communications unit for training so dispatchers could better visualize on-scene operations. The district exercise is part of a Tri-County initiative involving Clinton, Ingham and Eaton counties.

Staff also reported technology upgrades across county facilities. During a recent remodel, the dispatch center's network was upgraded to Cat6, and dispatch staff said they are rolling out Cat6 to the rest of the building. The county is replacing an intercom system that has been in place for about 30 years and aims to complete that work by the end of the month.

Dispatchers have drafted incident communication plans for Mason High School and for planned community events, including the Frontier Days 5K and parade; the communications unit will be deployed for those events. Central Dispatch introduced two new hires, Sam and Lorian, who are in a two-week orientation that includes "geo drives" to familiarize them with county geography and partner agencies. Staff said the orientation includes visits to police and fire departments and on-site briefing with first responders.

Staff and the deputy director also reported participation in the Eaton County School Safety Check-in Meeting, a recurring forum for school safety professionals, superintendents and first responders to coordinate K-12 safety work.

No committee action was taken; staff said the upgrades and training are part of ongoing preparedness work.