Rockland County Boasts New Alternate Emergency Communications Center

Rockland County's Communications Division initiated a “soft launch” of its new Alternate Emergency Communications Center (AECC) at the New City campus of the Rockland County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday morning.

The AECC seamlessly assumed all critical functions of the main site without interruption as radio operators reported directly to the new AECC for live 9-1-1 call processing, as well as the dispatch of police, fire, and EMS units.

To ensure a complete and valid test, the original Division’s main Emergency Communications Center (ECC) in Pomona was fully out of service for several hours during the testing time, with the alternate site fully supporting the County’s emergency operations. No major issues were encountered, and responders reported that “business” seemed perfectly normal.

“This is a first for Rockland County," Chief Adam Feuer noted. "Our staff has done an amazing job making it possible for complete and seamless redundancy for 9-1-1 and emergency dispatch. And I’m exceedingly proud of our Radio Operators. They deserve kudos for capably adapting to a new environment and new operations, with zero effect on the public and responders.” 

Sheriff Louis Falco added, “Everyone in Rockland County – residents, workers, visitors – can rest a little easier knowing that the Sheriff’s Office is ready for virtually any emergency. This new alternate center ensures that, even in a disaster scenario, Radio operators can always be there to answer the phone and provide help.”

Photo Credit: Rockland County Sheriff's Office