911 Communications Center
PBCFR’s Communications Center is the largest secondary Public Safety
Answering Point (PSAP) in Palm Beach County. The Communications
Center is a multi-agency operation that handles fire and medical emergency
communications for PBCFR, including eight municipal Fire-Rescue
Departments. PBCFR is an all-hazards fire rescue department resulting in
its Communications Center processing over 400,000 phone calls, annually.
The Communications Center and Management Team report to the Division Chief
of Emergency Management. They are managed by the Alarm Office Manager, two
Quality Assurance Managers, one Training Supervisor and supported by a GIS/CAD
Specialist. Additionally, The Fire Operations Officer (FOO) provides a crucial link
between the Communications Center and the Operations crews in the field. They monitor
every significant call to aid the on-scene commander with getting additional resources.
The Communications Center employs 61 Communicator-III’s under the supervision of four
Communicator Supervisors. PBCFR Communicators are certified by the State of Florida as 911
Public Safety Telecommunicators. They are also nationally certified in CPR, Emergency Medical
Dispatch, and Fire Service Communications. This training allows them to locate and provide rapid
service to 911 callers, provide them with life-saving instruction when needed, and assist emergency
personnel in the field. PBCFR Communicators operate complex radio and a Computer-Aided
Dispatch (CAD) system that allows them to dispatch, monitor, and communicate with emergency
personnel from local law enforcement, fire rescue agencies, hospitals, and aeromedical teams.