LEOMINSTER — Several Fitchburg officials, including Mayor Sam Squailia, Police Chief Steven Giannini and Capt. Christopher Garcia were given a tour of the Leominster Dispatch Center recently, with Leominster officials touting the ability of one dispatch center to service several different departments.
The tour was led by Leominster Police Chief Ryan Malatos, Police Capt. John Fraher, Fire Chief Craig Long, Deputy Fire Chief Jonathan Campagna and Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella.
“It was helpful to see their operation up close and talk through how they brought police, fire and EMS dispatch together under one roof … with after-hours DPW dispatch operations … and a space for DPW dispatch,” Squailia said.
She said that in Fitchburg, police, fire an Department of Public Works officials “have been discussing the challenges and opportunities tied to our separate dispatch operations, and whether there may be long-term benefits, efficiencies and staffing support in combining efforts more intentionally. This visit is part of doing our homework. It does not mean a decision has been made … but we are taking note of what works, what does not, and what could better serve Fitchburg.
“There are benefits to a combined dispatch model. Research on public safety dispatch consolidation points to stronger coordination, better caller service, streamlined operations and the ability to improve technology and equipment over time when consolidation is done well,” Squailia said.
“Shared facilities can also create logistical efficiencies, reduce some operating costs and improve how departments work together day to day. And when police, fire and public works are communicating closely, communities are often better prepared for the calls that require all three … from storms and utility failures to roadway incidents and infrastructure emergencies.”
“At the same time,” Squailia said, “a combined dispatch operation has to be planned carefully. There are up-front costs, technology needs, operational differences between departments, governance questions, training considerations and staffing impacts that all need to be worked through thoughtfully. Our goal is better service, stronger resiliency and a model that works well for the people who answer the calls and the people who depend on them.
“Leominster’s experience was useful to see in person. Their consolidated center brought police, fire, and EMS dispatch together in one location with upgraded communications equipment, improved redundancy and a setup designed to support closer teamwork across departments. Seeing a model like that helps us think more clearly about what could be possible here,” said Squailia.
“I appreciate the invitation, the openness and the willingness to share lessons learned. Fitchburg has staffing and budget challenges just like many communities do, and it is our job to look seriously at opportunities to improve service, strengthen operations, and use taxpayer dollars wisely. Planning smart for our future, every day.”
