JULY 2015

MARC recognizes dispatchers and local government employees for cleaning up 9-1-1 database and maps

Throughout the month of June, MARC's Regional Public Safety Communications program honored individuals who have gone above and beyond to help clean up the 9‑1‑1 database and map data.

This recognition is unique because the individuals being honored work across various departments — such as public works, community development and public safety.

MARC recognized the following individuals this June:

• Mallory Brown, North Kansas City Community Development.
• Randy Diehl, Jackson County Public Works.
• Paul Giarratana, Parkville Community Development.
• Lisa Mendpara, Cass County GIS.
• Jamie Taylor, Lee's Summit Fire Department.
• Ryan Vaughan, Belton GIS.

Cleaning up the 9-1-1 database and map data helps telecommunicators provide accurate information to first responders during an emergency. We appreciate the employees who have made this project a priority.

Registration open for 9-1-1 Day at the Ballpark!

MARC's Public Safety Communications Program invites regional telecommunicators and their families to attend 9-1-1 Day at the Ballpark. This event is a special part of First Responders Night at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. The event will recognize the efforts of telecommunicators and public safety professionals across the region.

This year, you can vote for your favorite t‑shirt. We are offering the option of purchasing a t‑shirt without buying a game ticket. When you click the registration button, there is a t‑shirt only option. Enter the number of t‑shirts next to the appropriate size and enter the total number in the t‑shirt only box. The winning design will be announced on Monday, July 27.

The Kansas City T-Bones will play against the Joplin Blasters. Event registration includes a game ticket (bleacher seating), t‑shirt and $10 in T-Bones Bucks for food and drink. Advance registration is required. Please register online or call 816‑701‑8330.

9-1-1 Hero: Eli Kehl

Johnson County Emergency Communications and MARC's Public Safety Communications program honored Eli Kehl, a local fourth‑grader at Spring Hill Elementary School as a 9-1-1 Hero on Wednesday, May 20. Ellen Wernicke, deputy director for Johnson County Emergency Management and Communications, presented the award to Eli.

On April 6, Eli dialed 9-1-1 and told Emergency Communications Specialist Grady Victory that his father was vomiting and having difficulty breathing. According to the responding emergency crew, Eli's father had an allergic reaction and was rapidly declining. Thanks to Eli's quick response, his father received the medical attention he needed.

"It is so important for parents to teach their children their home address, phone number and how to use 9-1-1 properly," said Wernicke. "Eli did a great job of providing the house address, listening to our call takers' questions, answering them clearly and, most importantly, remaining calm."

The primary purposes of the Kansas City Regional 9-1-1 Hero Award program are to recognize and reward youth who demonstrate knowledge of the proper use of 9-1-1 by performing some heroic action during an emergency, and to promote public education and awareness of 9‑1‑1.

Quick tip: Restart your computer

Have you restarted your 9-1-1 workstation and updated your map in the past week? While it may seem like an insignificant task, restarting your computer each week can solve potential issues and make your job a little bit easier. Maps are updated on a regular basis and just recently, pipeline and trail data was refreshed. If you don't restart your computer the mapping information in GeoLynx won't refresh properly. Restarting your computer will provide the most up-to-date maps — making it easier to assist people during their time of need. So mark your calendar to restart 9-1-1 workstations weekly, but be sure it's Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. in case you have technical issues to report.

May and June calendar competition award winners

Each month of the 2015 MARC Public Safety Communications program training calendar includes a picture of a historical site or location in the Kansas City region. Between the first and 10th of each month, MARC accepts contest submissions identifying the location of the historical photo. Individuals who correctly identify the location are entered into a drawing. The winner is announced on the 20th of each month and receives a $15 Starbucks gift card.

The following individuals won a 2015 training calendar photo identification contest:

Please check your inbox for photo identification contest email notifications and thank you to everyone who has participated during the past six months.

Maintenance Services

If your issue requires immediate attention please call 816-421-2911 any time day or night.

In non-emergency situations, you may email maintenance requests or questions to 911techs@marc.org or call 816-421-2911.

Remember, it is important to reboot your 9-1-1 workstations at least once each week, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., when a MARC communications technician is available in case you experience any problems. This will automatically update the GeoLynx map data on your workstation.

Upcoming Training Opportunities

Aug. 4: 9-1-1 Stress Management

Aug. 6: Public Safety Leadership A to Z

Aug. 10–14: Basic Telecommunicator Training

Aug. 20: When Communications Fail

Aug. 25–26: Negotiations Training for Telecommunicators

Aug. 27: 9-1-1 Equipment and TTY Training

Sept. 1: Transportation Accidents

Sept. 3: Dealing with Death and Trauma

Sept. 8: Bomb Threats and Explosives Response

Sept. 15: Metropolitan Area Regional Radio System (MARRS) User Training

Sept. 17: Refresher for the Experienced Telecommunicator C

See a complete list of upcoming
9-1-1 training opportunities and GTI courses included in the 9-1-1 training consortium membership.

Special Events and Trainings

Aug. 20: Professional Development Series — Missing Children: Dynamics and Response

PSAP Managers Forum

The PSAP Managers Forum is an excellent resource for managers and supervisors to share and exchange ideas, concerns and suggestions.

Have a story you want to share?

Email Paul Lampe or call
816-701-8366.