The Lisbon Reporter

WELCOME TO THE LISBON REPORTER. In an effort to keep our community informed of what is going on at local and Federal levels of government, we decided to create this on-line newspaper. It is our hope that this on-line newspaper will help you stay informed so that you can get involved and take action for the benefit of our ENTIRE community. Thank you for visiting and please check back frequently for information about what is happening in LISBON/LISBON FALLS, MAINE USA

Sunday, May 13, 2012

What Is Your Life Worth?

SAVING YOUR LIFE OR THAT OF A LOVED ONE

In an emergency every second counts in determining life or death. The country has instituted a program called 911 in order to expedite the process in hopes of saving lives. Our County Commissioners are trying to do the same by consolidating all the communications centers and eliminating redundancy within the process. A 911 emergency phone call currently goes to either Lewiston/Auburn 911 if received by land line or to the Maine State Police Barracks in Gray if received by cell phone.

These calls are then relayed to the Lisbon Communications Center to dispatch Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). No 911 calls come DIRECTLY to the Lisbon Communications Center. Let me repeat that: No 911 calls come DIRECTLY to the Lisbon Communications Center.

The County Commissioners are trying to improve this process by eliminating this current middle step. By dispatching Police, Fire and EMS from the point the call is received will eliminate having to call the Lisbon Communications Center and speed up the response time. In an emergency, time is critical and every minute/second can make the difference between life or death. Streamlining this process and saving lives should be the number one priority of everyone.

On May 1, 2012 Chief Brooks provided the Town Council a presentation in order to keep the Lisbon Communications Center and asked the town council to vote on two issues.

VOTE (2012-48B) Councilor Bowie, seconded by Councilor Ward moved to support the Lisbon Consolidation plan consuming the County dispatch. Order passed – Vote 6-0.

VOTE (2012-48B) Councilor Bowie, seconded by Councilor Ward move that if the County proposal failed, then Lisbon will keep Lisbon’s dispatch and not go with the LA 911 plan. Order passed – Vote 5-1 (Opposed: Mason)

It would appear by the vote, loyalty and logistics come before saving the lives of our citizens. Why would you NOT want to speed up the process in an attempt to save as many lives as possible?

Larry Fillmore

Concerned Citizen