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Cumberland County reviews digital dispatch upgrade for 911, fire and EMS
Summary
Commissioners heard a presentation on a planned digital dispatch system that would integrate with the county CAD, automatically send text/alert messages to fire departments, and require budget amendments and equipment purchases. Staff estimated 1–2 months for budget and contracting steps and an 18‑month vendor implementation timeline.
Cumberland County commissioners on Tuesday received an update on a planned digital dispatch system intended to speed dispatches for fire and emergency medical services and reduce manual radio traffic.
The project would add a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) integration that automatically recommends responding units and transmits dispatches as digital messages to stations and, where compatible, to radio consoles, Emergency Services Director Debbie said. "This will work for both fire and EMS," she said.
County staff said the integration would remove a step in which dispatchers must read assignments over the radio and would also allow dispatchers to handle radio traffic while the CAD sends detailed instructions. "When they hit the dispatch button, it's gonna send a text and a digital dispatch to each fire department," Debbie said. The system also offers optional station alerting equipment—lights, tones or sirens—that departments could buy to receive digital alerts.
Why it matters: County staff said the system could shorten response times and reduce repeated on‑air dispatching, improving efficiency for volunteer and municipal fire departments as well as EMS. The county has an existing Emergency Telephone System Fund balance that could cover most costs, but staff said some items will require general‑fund support and budget amendments.
Key details and timeline: Staff identified a vendor and described three main components: CAD integration software, station alerting hardware, and a new designated radio console in the 911 server room. Staff said a portion of the radio cost—"50% of approximately $47,000"—would likely come from the general fund. County staff estimated that required budget amendments and contract processing would take about one to two months with close collaboration among finance and legal. The vendor-provided implementation timeline for full rollout to departments is about 18 months once contracts and equipment purchases are complete; staff said the initial CAD-to-911 equipment could be installed on a shorter timeline.
Engagement with municipalities: City of Fayetteville officials have been involved in planning, staff said, but because the city operates on a different radio system it may need additional equipment (potentially a separate radio console) to receive voice and data. Staff said all volunteer departments have been included in chief-level planning meetings.
Questions from commissioners focused on timing, budget process and city coordination. Commissioner Tyson asked how quickly staff could implement the project if the board authorized it; Debbie replied that contract processing and budget amendments would likely take "a month to 2 months," and that the 18‑month implementation estimate applies to full deployment including station equipment purchases.
Staff said next steps would be to prepare contract documents and, if the board desires, bring necessary budget amendments before the board for approval.
