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Allen County EMA reports 911 upgrade complete, sirens nearing replacement and Bomb Squad staffing updates
Summary
Emergency Management Agency told commissioners the county 911 upgrade is complete, a Hazard Mitigation Plan grant was awarded, and that the county’s 43 emergency sirens are nearing replacement age with annual testing estimated at about $11,440; Bomb Squad certifications and a grant‑funded K‑9 were also reported.
At the Feb. 12 session, Jared Gesler provided the Emergency Management Agency quarterly update, reporting the county’s 911 upgrade has been completed and that dispatch uses Language Links for translations.
Gesler said the Hazard Mitigation Plan grant has been awarded and the plan is updated on a five‑year cycle; staff will continue annual updates. He reported recent hazardous‑materials training and certified Hazmat technicians and said the Bomb Squad currently has two certified personnel with an additional four certifications expected soon; a Bomb Squad K‑9 was secured through a grant. The state is finalizing specifications for a Bomb Truck that will be placed out to bid when completed.
On county emergency sirens, Gesler said there are 43 functioning sirens. He told commissioners annual testing of the sirens costs roughly $11,440 and that maintenance this year exceeded $8,000 and was paid by EMA; technicians indicated the sirens are reaching replacement age, prompting discussion of whether to replace them or shift maintenance responsibility to host municipalities.
The board directed staff to explore options and to coordinate with municipal partners and vendors about long‑term siren maintenance and replacement strategies.
