North Naples fire puts new dispatch system to the test

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. – The cost of saving lives, more than $2 million of your money is being spent to help first responders get to you faster in an emergency.

Right now, the North Naples Fire District is the only one using this system in the county.

Once the call comes in from an automated dispatcher, North Naples firefighters are alerted with a warning light, notifications and a countdown timer.

“They can actually focus, see where the call is and have the information before they even reach the trucks in hopes that it gets them out of the station faster,” said Eric Bocock.

WINK News captured North Naples firefighters in action as a call came into the station on Wednesday. Their goal is to be out of the bay within 90 seconds but they were out in less time.

“What we‘re seeing on average is about 20 to 30 seconds shaved off of the overall call time from when the call is dispatched to our units rolling and on our way,” said Bocock. He’s the IT director for the North Naples Fire and Rescue District.

Block says those seconds could mean the difference between someone losing their property or their life.

“Anytime you can get someone there quicker it has to be a plus, 30 seconds even, is a long time if you’re in a crisis situation,” said JoDee Hanssen.

She personally understands why every second counts. “My husband was a first responder back in South Dakota and every second made a difference so it’s a big positive to be there a few seconds early.“

Other districts will begin to use the system within the next few months.