03.05.2008 Press Release
In an effort to increase service to the communities we serve West Metro Fire-Rescue District has installed mobile data computers (MDC’s) in each of our apparatus. This new technology will improve responder and resident safety by providing specific information about an incident that includes onsite hazards and real-time updates from our dispatchers to all responding fire apparatus and other public safety agencies.
Additional features of this technology include on-screen incident address mapping, hydrant locations, resource management and messaging. This new technology also aids in reducing voice traffic on the 800MHz radio system and dispatcher workload by allowing responders access to information and management of incident response status via the MDC. Routine business functions can now be managed by the user, further reducing radio traffic and dispatcher workload. In the near future we hope to add the capability of accessing electronic pre-fire plans from the MDC’s, further increasing the response and safety information available to our responders.
The West Metro Fire-Rescue District is dispatched by the Hennepin County Sheriffs Communications Division in Golden Valley. The primary funding for this project was obtained through a federal grant by the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office. The communications and computer aided dispatch infrastructure of this system is owned and maintained by the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.