KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — A panel of local police, fire and elected officials have a tough choice to make between the two finalists for their 911 dispatch coordinator, as they head toward a consolidated system.
Kalamazoo has five dispatch centers that need to be upgraded and consolidated to be most effective.
One candidate, Brian Hitchcock, has rebuilt four dispatch systems in the Midwest and said he knows what it takes to consolidate a system. He also said he likes the area.
“I like Michigan,” Hitchcock said. “I have a lot of different hobbies that I partake in, and one of them is gardening.”
The other, Jeff Troyer, has only consolidated Calhoun County’s system, but knows Michigan statutes and considers the area his home.
“I stated in 1997 as a part-time telecommunicator in St. Joseph County, which is also where I grew up,” Troyer said.
Members of the committee are waiting for background checks before making their final decision, possibly later this month or in early October.
– John McNeill
