9-1-1 Education at Fire Muster

Members of the Milford Professional Telecommunicators, IAFF Local 4260, were on hand at the 38th Annual Engine 260 Fire Muster held on Saturday September 12th, 2009 at Eisenhower Park in Milford. Kids were able to learn how to call 9-1-1 and put those skills to the test using a simulator that allowed them to use a real phone to call 9-1-1. Kids who successfully called 9-1-1 to report their "emergency" were awarded a Junior Dispatcher Certificate. Kids were also able to get coloring books and crayons all about 9-1-1 and what to do in an emergency.

City residents were given 9-1-1 informational booklets, which gave important tips everyone should know about 9-1-1, from kids, to teens, to parents. Information was also available on how Milford residents could update their CodeRED information for the City's emergency database. Visitors to the booth were also able to view a video with a behind the scenes look at the dispatch center. Dispatchers were on hand to answer questions about the dispatch center and the City of Milford's 9-1-1 system. The Local 4260 live feed web page was also available, streaming live radio traffic from the Milford Fire Department as well.

David Dixon, President of Local 4260, said "This was a great day! We hope to setup booths like this at other events around the City, such as the safety days that take place throughout the year. Public Education about 9-1-1 is an important subject, that unfortunately doesn't get covered very often."