CITIES, COUNTY COLLABORATE IN FORMULATING 911 SYSTEM

JACKSON - The cities of Cape Girardeau and Jackson are joining with Cape Girardeau County to study the possible implementation of a county-wide 911 emergency telephone system.

Cape County Presiding Commissioner Gene Huckstep announced the formation of a six-member committee Monday morning that will develop recommendations on equipment and financing of a 911 system.

The only pre-conceived decision of the committee, Huckstep said, is that for whatever is implemented, "all county citizens should be served equally and effectively."

Serving on the committee will be Brian Miller, emergency coordinator for Cape County; Leonard Hines, chief deputy; Sgt. Carl Kinnison, of the Cape Police Department; Juanita Henley, communications manager of the Cape Police Department; Randy Welker, assistant fire chief in Jackson; and Sgt. Richard Knaup, of the Jackson Police Department.

Miller said the committee will have its first meeting Friday to hear a report on the kind of service that could be provided by Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. for a 911 line. He noted it might take 18-24 months before a final plan and recommendation is ready for consideration.

Craig Felzien, community relations director for Southwestern Bell, said that by June, there would be the digital technology throughout the county to provide an enhanced 911 system. The enhanced system displays a caller's address at the emergency assistance center, even if the person making the call is unable to speak.

Felzien praised the city and county officials for their willingness to work together, and noted that a lack of cooperation has kept many counties from providing this kind of service.

"On behalf of Southwestern Bell, I can assure you we will be as supportive as we can and provide all the information you want," said Felzien.

Cape Girardeau has a 911 system, but City Manager J. Ronald Fischer said the city hopes to upgrade it soon with an enhanced system. The city of Jackson has been studying a 911 system, and it has been discussed for the out-county area for several years.

"What we are talking about is a state-of-the-art system, and for it to work the decision needs to be a joint process with all entities involved," said Huckstep. "We felt this might be an opportune time to get our heads together and come up with a countywide 911 plan."

Huckstep stressed that whatever is recommended must be a first-class system.

"We have no idea where we are headed and what will become of this, but you never know until you try," said Huckstep.

The presiding commissioner said he can't think of any obstacle that could not be resolved in developing this system for all citizens of Cape County.

Jackson City Administrator Carl Talley added, "I agree that this committee is in order. This service is available and it is needed in the county."

Talley said there had been a lot of obstacles in the past that kept this from being implemented. However, he said, with the upgraded technology nearly in place with the phone system, "now is the time to get on with this program."

Fischer pointed out that Cape Girardeau has had a 911 system for 15-18 years and is hoping to upgrade its system. "As far as I can see, this is an ideal time to look at this," said Fischer. "We support it wholeheartedly and want to be a part of this committee."

Miller said he is excited about the service and said he had looked at similar systems in other areas. "It is a marvelous opportunity that will affect every man, woman, and child in the county," he declared.

"It is something we certainly need to look into," added Associate Commissioner Leonard Sander.

Only St. Louis County, St. Charles County and the Kansas City area have an enhanced 911 countywide system in Missouri at this time, noted Felzien.