Program Manager Update

It is satisfying to see a project in which so much time, effort, and resources have been expended begin to take tangible shape; and that is exactly what is happening with our Platform Modernization Project.  

What began as a concept in the 911 Strategic Plan in 2018, is now coming to life with the first component, the GIS Backoffice Database Management Application, going live. A huge thanks to our GIS experts Evelyn and Janise, for serving as the guinea pigs and diligently integrating the new application into their daily work. The PSAP equipment has all been received and the installation is beginning at the Test PSAP.

On the Public Education front, our Outreach team is wrapping up a very successful summer event season, having attended new events throughout the county. The team also continues to engage with our neighboring counties to provide assistance with the ongoing PSAP Staffing crisis

Financial 

The year is going by fast with eight months down and only four to go. The 2023/2024 budget was submitted and shows $800K better than budget in revenue and our operating expenses continue looking good. With the work to reduce circuits and other efficiencies, to date approximately $3.8M in operating savings was banked.

Through the remainder of the year, the finance team will focus on day to day operations to ensure invoices are processed efficiently and vendors are paid on time. As we approach year end, the team will work with PSAP partners on any financial questions relating to the PSAP portion of the excise tax revenue and the distribution of escrow funds. The team strives to be as clean and ready for year-end making closing the books easier and more efficient.

Once done, the year end reporting begins. Understanding the performance in the past yields higher confidence in forecasting the future. As of right now, the ten year forecast is looking sustainable. We are looking forward to the fall and the changing of the seasons.

"When you're finished changing, you're finished." - Benjamin Franklin

Public Education & Outreach

Events were back in full swing this year! The Public Education Team participated in 30 events and focused on both educating community members on proper use of 911 and recruiting for potential new hires at the PSAPs. 

In addition to the team, many partner agencies were given 911 educational material to expand the reach within the county. To date, over 175,000 items were given to participating agencies and over 18,000 items were handed out by the Public Education Team. With the increased exposure, there were multiple times this summer the team talked to community members and children who recognized Emery the Emergency Penguin and had retained information like their home address or that texting 911 is available in King County. 

The main event season ended in September, however the team is looking forward to a few fall and winter events like Scout Night and Shop with a Cop. Thank you to all the dispatchers, supervisors, managers, and other PSAP personnel who participated in events this year. Without the collaboration not as many people would be reached. 

It's All Coming Together

We are excited to announce the 911 Platform Modernization Project has completed the cutover to the new GIS Back Office solution!  The GIS Team is refining workflows to work more efficiently with MapSAG and Intrado is working to correct bugs and add features to make the tool easier to use. Thank you to the project team for all the hard work making this a success! Congratulations to the GIS Team on the new tool.

Intrado installed network equipment at each of the three Data Centers and connectivity between the hosts and the Comtech ESInet was established.  Meanwhile, the CHFE equipment for all of the PSAP implementations was delivered to King County. 

In August, Intrado conducted the Customer Configuration Survey with their support techs and the 911 Program Office technical staff.  Test PSAP is starting to take shape as the equipment installation is underway.

The First 40 Years

Join us in commending Steve Lagreid for 40 years of dedicated service!

After answering many calls for assistance on CB radio from his parent’s home in the '70s, Steve began his professional communications career with the King County Sheriff’s Office PSAP in 1982 answering 911 calls.  He progressed to Dispatcher, Trainer, Training Coordinator and Acting Supervisor. 

In 1998, he was selected as the PSAP’s Technical Support Coordinator and worked closely with a supervisor and the CAD coordinator.  In 2003, all three received Meritorious Service Awards for their monumental efforts in moving the PSAP from the King County Courthouse in Seattle to the RCECC (Regional Communications and Emergency Coordination Center) in Renton. 

Steve was selected to fill the vacating 911 Program Office Tech position in 2008 and he hit the ground running providing 24/7 support for the PSAPs in King County.  Today Steve fills the Senior 911 Systems Engineer role and works closely with two Senior 911 Technical Specialists to manage an increasingly complex 911 system. All techs enjoy sharing the on-call support on a weekly rotation. 

Steve’s knowledge and experience is invaluable in the ongoing effort to implement a modern, platform-based 911 system.