Pittsfield - During a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday morning, the Pittsfield Police Department unveiled a completely updated communications center that will ensure continued police station efficiency and greater public safety.
In operation since June 24, the communications center boasts a new radio control system, base stations, computer equipment and environmentally-friendly consoles for employees made from recyclable materials.
“The old system was failing and it needed to be replaced,†said Alan Zawistowski, the police department’s communications and information systems director.
One of the major catalysts for the upgrades - which were launched in November 2004 - were the existence of communication “dead zones†for police officers in the field. In some parts of the city, officers were unable to contact the dispatch station at the police department.
“We have 100 percent coverage in the city now,†said Zawistowski.
The police department also has access to more than one radio channel, which allows both special events officers and regular shift officers to reach the dispatch station at the same time.
Additionally, the installation of an emergency generator ensures that the police station remains fully functional during any power outages.
“We had issues and we’d lose power. Now, the generator makes sure we stay up and running during storms and floods,†said Zawistowski.
The cost of replacing the 20-year old communications center was $750,542.42 and took 2 ½ years to complete. The new center meets standards set by the Telecommunications Industry Association that allows for cross-agency communication during emergencies, the National Fire Protection Association for the installation, maintenance and use of emergency services communications systems, as well as all the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design criteria.
For a police station that receives 39,000 police calls annually (along with 15,000 emergency 911 calls and 8,000 fire and emergency medical services calls), the upgrades will mean increased productivity for dispatchers.
“It’s a busy place and now we can handle a lot more call volume. We can focus directly on dealing with callers and units in the field,†said Zawistowski.
With a more effective communications system behind the city’s police force, Zawistowski said he believed the benefits to the public would be substantial.
“A police station’s being effective helps the community; it’s a huge advantage,†he said.
Seventy percent of the funding for the renovations came from the Pittsfield Police Department Capital Budget requests and 26 percent came from Fire Department Homeland Security grants.
Jen Thomas may be reached via email at jthomas@iberkshires.com or at (413) 663-3384, ext. 23.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Lanesborough Town Meeting to Vote Budget, Bylaws & Vehicle Purchases
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Tuesday's annual town meeting includes a $14 million operating budget, new short-term rentals, accessory dwelling units and sign bylaws, and free cash article appropriations.
Voters will gather at Lanesborough Elementary School on June 9 at 6 p.m. to decide on 20 warrant articles.
The fiscal 2027 budget is up a little over 10 percent. Some of the main increases are the Mount Greylock Regional School District and McCann Technical School: the McCann assessment is up more than 30 percent based on factors including enrollment and the school renovation project, and Mount Greylock's is up 11 percent.
Article 11 is for the town to vote to approve from free cash the sum of $16,298.48 for the McCann Technical School roof and window replacement project so as not to impact the budget. Article 3 is appropriate $7,586,284 for Mount Greylock Regional School assessment.
Another notable increase was in life and health insurance, showing an increase of about 26 percent.
Ambulance Director Jen Weber is planning 24-hour coverage, which means more staff and a hike in her budget. One of the articles asks the town to appropriate $234,100 to operate the Ambulance Enterprise Fund for salaries and expenses.
Many town departments are looking for new vehicles. The Fire Department is looking to replace its outdated 1996 fire engine. There are two articles related to the truck at a total of $813,366. Article 12 would transfer $225,000 from free cash into the Fire Truck Stabilization Fund; Article 13 would transfer $605,000 from the fund and authorize the borrowing of $208,366.08.
The total includes a $100,000 contingency cost to cover any additional costs if a 2026 model-year chassis cannot be secured before new emissions standards go into effect in 2027.
The board at its last meeting moved the $225,000 transfer to come before the borrowing article, changing the stabilization number. If the $225,000 is not voted on, then they will amend the next article's number on the floor, subtracting the $225,000. This shows the borrowing number significantly lower.
Article 17 asks for the transfer of $80,000 from free cash to replace a police cruiser.
Police Chief Rob Derksen's aim is to replace one vehicle every other year, meaning the oldest vehicle gets replaced about every 10 years.
He stressed that if delayed this year, the town may have to double up in a future year to get back on schedule, and that paying later usually costs more. The article will ask for $80,000 from free cash, the vehicles used to be funded by the BHRD.
Lastly, the Highway Department is looking to replace a 2014 International dump truck that will be a total of $330,000 and will take two to three years to receive.
Money will be used from last year's approval of $250,000 from free cash for the replacement of a 2012 highway front-end loader that was underspent $49,261. Town meeting is being asked to approve a transfer of $53,274.85 from free cash and the use of $227,464 from funds from the Sale of Town Real Estate to fund the balance.
Other free cash proposals include $1,200 to purchase software to support tracking and ongoing maintenance schedules of town-owned vehicles; $42,000 for the replacement of the Highway Department's storage shed roof, $200,000 to reduce the tax levy.
As the school year winds down, the sun was shining high as Morris Elementary School and the community celebrated student success with a splash. click for more
The Berkshire Community College community celebrated outgoing President Ellen Kennedy for the innovation, kindness, and curiosity she has fostered on campus over the last 14 years. click for more
Cassidy Flynn scattered five hits in a complete-game effort in the circle as Lenox upset top-seeded Hoosac Valley, 3-2, in the quarter-finals of the Division 5 State Tournament. click for more
Brayden Durant struck out seven and walked one in a complete-game effort on the mound Saturday to pitch the Drury baseball team to a 6-0 win over Keefe Tech in the quarter-finals of the Division 5 State Tournament at Joe Wolfe Field. click for more
Anthony Salatino Jr. says his memory is getting a little foggy about his time in the Army.
But he remembers how terrible D-Day was, and feeling lucky he wasn't among those in the initial invasion force 82 years ago. click for more
