Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test Scheduled for September 28, 2016

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in collaboration with the FCC, will conduct a nationwide test of the emergency alert system (EAS) September 28^th at 1420 hrs (2:20 P/M) EST. A secondary test date is scheduled for October 05 if necessary.

EAS participants must be prepared – and are required – to participate in a test on both the primary and alternate test dates. The test is the second nationwide test of the EAS following the first nationwide test in 2011.

The nationwide test will assess the reliability and effectiveness of the EAS, with a particular emphasis on testing FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), the integrated gateway through which common alerting protocol (CAP)-based EAS alerts are disseminated to EAS participants. The test message will clearly state that the alert is only a test of the EAS. FEMA’s alert will be transmitted in English and Spanish and include both audio and the text of the test message, which can be used to populate an accessible video crawl.

These improvements will help ensure all members of the public, including non-English speakers and individuals with disabilities, will receive emergency information, an FCC public notice said. The test will provide an opportunity to evaluate this and other measures that the FCC has adopted to address issues identified in connection with the 2011 nationwide EAS test.

Be your own kind of hero

Just out of curiosity, is being a super hero on your bucket list? Do you want to assist in the rescue of children, talk someone through how to do CPR, direct law enforcement and fire departments to incidents and keep them updated so everyone stays safe, send help when people are in vehicle accidents and stranded on the side of the road, be the calm and comforting voice on the phone when people are scared and need help? You don’t need to daydream anymore – those things can become a reality. Become a certified 9-1-1 dispatcher at the Knox Regional Communications Center. Okay, so you won’t get a cool costume with a cape and tights, but you’ll get to be a part of something super important. No one agency or organization can keep a community safe all on its own. It takes a team effort, and you can be a part of that. Knox County will train you – no experience is necessary. Individuals with good computer skills, an eye for details, and a willingness to learn can make dispatching a very rewarding career. Go to www.knoxcountymaine.gov for details!

So what’s on your bucket list?

Still looking for applicants interested in a career in dispatching!

Have you thought about working in the field of public safety? Being a 9-1-1 dispatcher is a rewarding career for anyone who is interested in participating in the safety of their community. The job is perfect for detail-oriented people with proficient typing skills and the ability to stay focused and organized.

If you're interested in applying, you can find the County's employment application HERE. You'll need to either mail it in to the County Administrative Office at 62 Union Street in Rockland, ME 04841, or you can drop it off at the same location. Emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted. Please attach a copy of your resume to your job application, as well as a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the job. Applications are due by 2 p.m. on Friday, July 15, 2016.

If you would like to see the dispatcher job description, you will find it at the same link as the job description. If you have any questions not answered by the job description, please send your question to Administrative Assistant Candice Richards at crichards@knoxcountymaine.gov.

Knox Regional Communications Center Open House - Saturday, April 16, 2016

The Knox regional Communications Center will host an Open House at their facility at 301 Park Street in Rockland on April 16^th between the hours of 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Tours of the Communications Center will provided by the staff. This is the first time a tour of the facility has been offered since the grand opening back on March 5, 2013. Visitors will get a chance to see the state of the art communications center where all 9-1-1 calls are processed. 

This tour will provide the opportunity to see where your 9-1-1 call goes to and the equipment used to process those calls. The staff of the 9-1-1 center provides the vital link between the citizens and the Public Safety services of the County. During the tour you will have the opportunity to learn more about the services provided by the center. The staff will also answer questions about career opportunities in the 9-1-1 Center and what it is like to be a dispatcher in this fast paced environment providing such an important service.

The open house will also feature the opportunity to see a Fire Truck, Ambulance and assorted Police vehicles on display in the parking lot. Public Safety personnel will be on hand to answer questions about their equipment and professions.

Weather permitting, Lifeflight of Maine will also have one of their helicopters on site for viewing. This is a very special opportunity for the public to see one of the helicopters up close.

Most people who need emergency medical care can be appropriately transported by ground ambulance. The sickest patients, however, need the critical care and speed that Lifeflight provides.

There will also be displays for viewing inside. The Knox County Amateur Radio Club will be staffing the mobile communications trailer and offering information about the local club and how to become a licensed amateur radio operator. Several members of the club work closely with public safety during major events to provide a secondary means of communication.

The KRCC staff will also be serving hot dogs, chips and soda throughout the event while supplies last. The staff has been working hard to plan this event to provide a unique inside look at public safety communications from the 9-1-1 call process to the service providers.

Looking for a rewarding career? Ever thought about being a full-time 9-1-1 Dispatcher?

The Knox Regional Communications Center (KRCC) is currently looking for eager, dedicated individuals interested in a career in emergency communications. Dispatchers handle requests for all law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services received via 9-1-1, telephone, intercom, and radio. The dispatcher also documents calls using computer software systems and established protocols. Dispatchers frequently interact with people who are agitated and under stress, and must have the ability to remain calm.

Applicants must be high school graduates or equivalent, be able to type at least 40 wpm, have excellent communication skills, and have no criminal record.  No prior experience is required, and the KRCC is willing to train a qualified candidate who is interested in emergency communications as a career.

The County provides an excellent benefits package to full-time employees including health insurance (100% paid for the employee, and 75% for family coverage), paid vacation and sick leave, retirement plan, and other voluntary benefits.

Interested applicants must complete a Knox County job application and either mail it to the Knox County Administrative Office at 62 Union Street in Rockland or drop it off in person at the same address. Application forms and job descriptions are available at the County Administrator’s office and on the County’s website: www.knoxcountymaine.gov. Emailed resumes will not be accepted as an application. You must submit an actual County application form. Any relevant certifications or training certificates should be submitted with your application. The County reserves the right to reject any and all applications and to select the most qualified applicant(s).

 

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/H