Communications / Dispatch

The Stow Communications Center is under the direction of Lieutenant Heather Prusha and is staffed by fourteen full-time and three part-time telecommunicators (also known as Dispatchers), who are certified by the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch. Emergency services dispatchers are a dedicated team with a very demanding job. The members of the Communications Center must function effectively in some of the most chaotic circumstances in an emergency and are the first link between the citizens and the safety forces of the City of Stow.

The Stow Communications Center employs both full-time and part-time dispatchers who are certified by the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch. Emergency services dispatchers are a dedicated team with a very demanding job. The members of the Communications Center must function effectively in some of the most chaotic circumstances in an emergency and are the first link between the citizens and the safety forces of the City of Stow. They are also the first line of defense for the responding safety forces, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. All 911 emergency calls, all non-emergency calls, and most administrative calls are received through the Communications Center. The Stow Communications Center serves Stow Police and Fire/EMS, Tallmadge Police and Fire/EMS, and Mogadore Police and Fire/EMS.

The Communications Center disseminates highly sensitive, confidential information to the police from the Ohio Law Enforcement Administrative Data Systems (LEADS) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Mobile Data Terminals (MDT) provides a direct link to the officers with up-to-date, pertinent information regarding Amber Alerts, Homeland Security, and Terrorism, as well as, warrant information, offender criminal history, driving/licensing records, and stolen items. Dispatchers are qualified to administer lifesaving techniques via the telephone prior to EMS arrival and are required to maintain their LEADS/NCIC and EMD certifications biannually.

Dispatchers also provide many non-emergency services for the community. They become the after-hours answering point for many other city departments including (but not limited to) Water, Street, Urban Forestry, Parks and Recreation, and Animal Control. Residents who have lost or found a pet may report it to the Communications Center. The Communications Center maintains contact information on businesses in the event that contact needs to be made during non-business hours.