911 bill needs governor's signature
On behalf of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, and the men and women of public safety in Illinois, we encourage Gov. Rauner to sign Senate Bill 1839. Without his signature, the 911 system in Illinois will be unfunded at the close of business June 30, 2017.
It is unthinkable that a citizen might dial 911 and no one would answer the emergency call. Legislation passed in 2015 mandating the consolidation of 911 systems, and upgrades to technology that will help our telecommunicators deliver the most professional and expedited service to our citizens.
Emergency dispatch centers are required to receive text messages, implement location services and automatic crash alerts within the next three years. This technology comes with a cost, and spreading that out across all users is the most fair and efficient delivery model.
Our shared public safety goal is to develop a fully functional 911 system that meets the demands of our citizens and the constantly changing telecommunications technology in a digital world.
As citizens of Illinois, we understand the burden on taxpayers and would not make this request if it were not absolutely essential. Remember, this is not a tax, it is a surcharge assessed to people who choose to have a phone (landline, VoIP and wireless). As fire chiefs, we understand the vital role of 911 and implore the governor to sign Senate Bill 1839 and help us protect the citizens we all serve.
Chief James Kreher, Barrington Countryside FPD; President, Illinois Fire Chiefs Association
Chief Kenneth Caudle, Huntley Fire Protection District; 911 Liaison, Illinois Fire Chiefs Association