911 Board O.K.s Virtual Academy Training
With a quorum of four, Julie Bennett, Dee Garland, Jeff Lee and Ronnie Payne, the Jasper County Joint 911 Authority met on October 11.
Public comments at the beginning of the meeting included comments and appreciation of how well the 911 Call Center is currently operating.
The Interim Director’s Report update included information on employees, equipment, Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), Training and Document Storage and Finances.
Employee update details included that a morale boosting spirit week is scheduled during Halloween for the employees and that employees can participate in the Christmas Club.
Details were discussed about creating a shared calendar for employees and the board agreed the By-laws of the 911 Authority needed updating. The 911 Center is holding a donation drive for victims of Hurricane Helene. Details are on the 911 Authority’s Facebook page.
A working refrigerator has been acquired and installed, there is a desire/need to purchase a weather station to monitor wind speeds for safe ambulance driving during storms and a request has been made from Londa Champion in Shady Dale for a radio to monitor the Fire/EMS channel since the water has to be physically turned on in Shady Dale in the event of a fire. It was agreed to defer the discussion on a radio until Chief Finch could be consulted.
After a discussion about the benefits of the Virtual Academy for training purposes, including endorsements by Captain Billy Bryant of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office who uses it for training at the Sheriff’s Officce. The Board unanimously approved a motion for the 911 Authority to sign up for the Virtual Academy for employee training at the annual cost of $2,460.
