Pennsylvania Counties Implement Award-Winning Regional CAD System to Support Emergency Response

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (April 9, 2019)—A regional computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system implemented by four counties in western Pennsylvania and supported by Mission Critical Partners (MCP) recently received one of the prestigious 2019 Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence in the category of information technology.

The award-winning system supports emergency response efforts for 911 operations across Butler, Lawrence, Mercer and Venango counties. It is the first CAD system implemented in Pennsylvania using a single platform with one host and disaster-recovery site, an effort that required significant intergovernmental cooperation. Under MCP’s guidance, the system has helped the region realize significant benefits, including:

• Information and resource sharing across county lines, which saves valuable time
• Increased situational awareness and reduced emergency response times, which saves more lives
• Cost savings for taxpayers in the millions of dollars, due to implementing one shared system instead of four individual ones

“This award signifies what can be achieved when great partnerships come together toward a common goal,” said John Chiaramonte, MCP president of consulting services. “We are grateful to have participated in this first-ever accomplishment in Pennsylvania and thank our clients for their dedication to this effort.”

The regional CAD model enables emergency responders to be dispatched from any of the four counties for any 911 call. Relying on a host site in Butler County and a disaster-recovery site in Lawrence County, all four counties’ public safety answering points (PSAPs) operate on one system during normal operations. However, if an emergency has rendered a PSAP inoperable, inaccessible or uninhabitable, its operations easily and seamlessly can be transferred to another PSAP in disaster recovery mode.

“This system should serve as a model in public safety communications. The time that has been put into implementing this system and the effort required is remarkable,” said Frank Jannetti, director, Mercer County Department of Public Safety. “Everyone who participated, ranging from the emergency response agencies served by the system to the county commissioners, should be recognized for their cooperation.”

The Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence, which are administered by the Pennsylvania Governor’s Center for Local Government Services, recognizes innovative and successful undertakings that serve as inspiration or as best management practices for local government officials throughout Pennsylvania. The information technology category is reserved for organizations using IT as an innovative tool to foster greater public access to local government and for increased efficiency and effectiveness.

Representatives from the four-county partnership formally accepted the award on April 10 at the governor’s residence in Harrisburg.

About Mission Critical Partners (MCP)

Mission Critical Partners (MCP) is an independent consulting and IT support services firm that helps clients enhance and evolve their public safety systems and operations through our extensive experience, knowledge and resources. By providing insight and support every step of the way, our clients are able to transform their mission critical operations, maximizing the value of their investments and ensuring optimal performance and success. Additional information and career opportunities are available at www.MissionCriticalPartners.com.

CONTACT:

Morgan Sava
Vice President, Director of Corporate Marketing
Mission Critical Partners
608-658-8858
MorganSava@MissionCriticalPartners.com