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Dispatch upgrades and winter warming shelters outlined; EMA seeks two federal grants
Summary
Huntington County EMA and dispatch directors told commissioners the dispatch center implemented the Vesta 911 phone system and is pursuing a fiber connection to the State Radio System; EMA described winter warming-shelter plans and asked the board to approve applications for two federal grants totaling $45,694.82.
Tim Allen, Huntington County Director of Public Safety Dispatch, told commissioners the dispatch center has implemented the Vesta 911 phone system and moved to a fiber connection. Allen said the county is working with Comcast to connect to the State Radio System with hopes of it being operational by the beginning of next year. He also said staffing improved from four vacancies to one and that interviews are ongoing for new trainees.
Bob Jeffers, the county EMA director, and Amber Rice from the Indiana Family Care Center described plans for emergency overnight warming shelters for the coming winter—the county’s third year partnering with the Family Care Center. Jeffers said the shelter opens only when weather conditions warrant, volunteers typically staff it, and EMA and the Huntington County Health Department will assist if volunteer numbers fall short. The Family Care Center will also serve as a daytime warming station and EMA will post social-media updates to alert the public.
Jeffers presented two grant requests to support emergency operations and hazardous-materials preparedness: an Emergency Management Performance grant (Salary SHSP 2025) requesting $41,694.82 and a Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness grant for FFY 2026 requesting $4,000. The commissioners voted to move forward with applying for both grants; both motions passed unanimously, 3-0.
