FARMINGTON — Dispatchers plan to move into the new Franklin County Regional Communications Center on April 25, Communications Director Stan Wheeler told commissioners Tuesday.

The new center is across from the Sheriff’s Department office where dispatching services are now performed. The center was completed in 2013, but dispatchers have had to wait to move in until the new 911 equipment was installed. That equipment is being installed and is expected to go online April 25.

Once the new system is up and running, Maine will be the first state to have the entire state online with the next generation of 911 equipment, Wheeler said.

Phones have been installed in the dispatch building. Temporary systems and equipment will also be in place to make the switch go smoothly.

After April 25, the number to reach the communications center in nonemergency situations will be 778-6140, Wheeler said.

The current 778-2680 number used to reach the dispatch center will ring directly into the sheriff’s office, he said.

He said he expects some glitches to pop up, as they do with any new system, but they will be worked out.

In related business, commissioners voted to accept a $300 donation from the Franklin County Firefighters Association. The money was used to buy fleece vests and have the county’s communications logo and the dispatchers names put on them.

Dispatchers are happy to have them, Wheeler said.

dperry@sunjournal.com

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