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Benzie County EMS and 911 report staffing, training and technology updates; board approves clinical affiliation for training
Summary
EMS Director Tom King and 911 Director Cory Ellis briefed commissioners on EMS/ALS operations, coordination with other responders, recruitment and radio/CAD upgrades. The board approved a clinical affiliation agreement for EMS clinical hours and authorized fiber service to the emergency communications tower.
County EMS and 911 leaders briefed the Benzie County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 26 about staffing, operations and planned technology upgrades, and the board approved a clinical affiliation to support paramedic and EMT training.
Tom King, identified as EMS Director, described the work of the EMS/ALS department, including how calls are handled and how sheriff and local fire personnel assist on scene. King outlined the department's vision going forward and answered questions from commissioners.
911 Director Cory Ellis said his office is recruiting for open positions, has made computer-aided dispatch (CAD) capability available on responders' phones, is working on radio encryption updates, is coordinating with the Michigan State Police to integrate CAD visibility for state deputies, has engaged in community outreach to raise awareness about 911 use, and reported the department completed 507 training hours as a unit. He also noted the state has a radio-update requirement for deputies that the county is addressing.
Separately, the board approved a Clinical Affiliation Agreement with the Northwest Regional Fire Training Center to provide required clinical hours for paramedics and EMTs; the motion was moved by Commissioner Markey and seconded by Commissioner Warsecke and carried unanimously. The board also approved a service agreement with Peninsula Fiber Networks to provide internet to the Emergency Communications Tower (subject to legal review), an item tied to communications infrastructure and resilience.
Why it matters: recruitment, training, equipment and interagency connectivity directly affect emergency response capacity and public safety. The clinical affiliation provides a formal training pathway for EMTs and paramedics; fiber to the communications tower supports dispatching and interoperability.
