Brockport to limit 911 information releases

Because of misinformation recently released through local television stations, Brockport’s Mayor Josephine Matela issued a statement limiting releases of information as they pertain to the village’s discussions on its 911 dispatching system.

At the July 15 board meeting Matela said, "All comments related to 911 will be issued to the appropriate news agencies via a press release," she said. "Prior to issuing the press release, all communications personnel and appropriate department heads will be given a copy of the release."

She said this newly implemented procedure will eliminate any "undue emotional harm due to rumors and innuendo."

Daniel Varrenti, Brockport chief of police, recently released a report with his findings of studies compiled regarding the possible elimination of the village’s 911 dispatching unit. The report outlined five possible scenarios that included:

•Keep the systems in place as is;

•Completely convert all dispatching to 911;

•The Brockport Fire Department takes over dispatching with part time personnel and the police are dispatched by 911;

•The Brockport Fire Department takes over dispatching with full time personnel and the police
are dispatched by 911;

•Any other proposal.

Matela said it isn’t the administration’s intent to go forward in a haphazard fashion with any decision regarding the dispatch. A committee comprised of Trustees James Whipple, Morton Wexler, Norman Knapp and Peter DeToy, Varrenti, Building Code Officer Scott Zarnstorff, DPW Superintendent Brad Upson, Communications Coordinator Dan Zimmer and Fire Chief Gregory Wing.

It is expected that a proposal will be presented to Matela by September.