Somers Dispatch

[spin_the_wheel 460]

Would like some history on the arraingement Westchester EMS has with dispatching the Somers FD...how did this happen?? Who dispatched prior? Any other FD's approach Westchester EMS for dispatch? Seems it is a very unique setup....thanks.... Happy New Year and a Safe one to all members on this site....

[TRUCK6018 50]

Prior to Westchester EMS, Somers FD had it's own in house dispatching where the Lincolndale Fire House Communication Office was staffed 24/7 by Somers Fire District employees.

At some point during the years 2000/2001, the Somers Fire District layed off all of their dispatchers and contracted out the dispatching services to Westchester EMS.

I do believe that other FD's and VAC's have approached Westchester EMS for dispatching. The biggest issue is $$. Why pay someone to do something that's already paid for in taxes (60 Control).

[EJS1810 7]

Somers has allways had thier own dispatch. This goes back to when Rita Vorhees (sp) dispatched from her home.

[spin_the_wheel 460]

Do the dispatchers wear westchester ems uniforms, or somers...or is there some somers designation on the uniforms. Also what type of shifts do they work, are these steady people assigned to dispatch or does everyone rotate through, maybe folks on light duty? Thanks.

[TRUCK6018 50]

Somers has allways had thier own dispatch.  This goes back to when Rita Vorhees (sp) dispatched from her home.

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Just a quick history lesson Ed, while Somers always had there own dispatch, they weren't always self dispatched.

Back in the Rita Voris era, Lincolndale dispatchers worked until 1800. Rita didn't start until 2000. In that 2 hour gap the dispatching was done by Yorktown Police.

In addition to the dispatch council at Rita's, there was another one at Past Commissioner Stipo's residence.

Prior to the "present" Lincolndale Fire House, the dispatching was done in Granite Springs Fire House.

Back to Ladder47's question. The current WEMS dispatchers are WEMS employees who work when scheduled. They do were WEMS uniforms.

Edited January 1, 2006 by TRUCK6018

[Guest]

I got to say workng at Somers FD was a great job. I think its like a stepping stone now for everyone who wants dispatch.

Somers Fire District 12/2001 to 5/2002 <-this was better in my opinion

Westchester E.M.S. 6/2002 to 11/2003

[WAS967 97]

WEMS staffs the dispatch center in WEMS uniforms. no Somers FD designations/rockers/etc. Two dispatchers from 7am to 11pm, one from 11pm to 7am.

Edited January 9, 2006 by WAS967