Akron and Summit County Partner to Fortify Emergency Services

Another partnership between Akron and Summit County, Ohio, is about to lead to greater public safety for Akron and surrounding communities. Mayor Don Plusquellic is requesting Akron City Council authorize the Akron Police Department to pursue a $6 million grant from the U.S Department of Justice to further enhance the work of emergency forces. The grant would establish a regional data sharing network benefiting emergency service workers, including traditional first responders.

"This will greatly assist in serving the community every day," said Mayor Plusquellic. "But, it will be invaluable in the event of a man-made or natural disaster."

Multi-jurisdiction response requires coordination, communication and sharing of vital information among many public safety agencies and often includes state and federal agencies. Funding would come from the COPS Technology Grant Program and would help complete the interoperability mission that began more than 10 years ago in Summit County.

"We have done a great deal of work already to ensure we have flawless voice communication among public safety jurisdictions in the county," said Akron Deputy Mayor for Public Safety George Romanoski. "This partnership with Summit County now brings data transmission into the picture to form a complete communications package that will increase public safety."

One week ago, the city and county announced a joint venture that will, by August, lead to wireless phone compatibility with the 911 emergency phone system, allowing emergency operators to pinpoint the locations of callers using cellular phones to contact 911.