RAYNHAM — Police Chief David LaPlante and Fire Chief Bryan LaCivita announce that Raynham has combined police and fire dispatch operations, freeing a firefighter previously assigned to dispatch to respond to emergencies.
Central dispatch began operating at 8 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, from the dispatch center at the Raynham Police Department. Civilian dispatchers now handle police, fire and emergency medical calls around the clock.
Previously, police civilian dispatchers answered 911 calls and dispatched police officers, while Fire Department personnel handled fire dispatch. The combined operation reduces the need to transfer calls and helps both departments share information during emergency responses.
“This change allows us to put a firefighter who previously handled dispatch back on the apparatus to respond to emergencies,” Chief LaCivita said. “I appreciate the dispatchers’ attention and willingness to learn our operations, and the support of Chief LaPlante and his command staff throughout this transition.”
The Police Department hired two new full-time communication clerks to support central dispatch. Dispatchers completed joint training with Fire Department personnel during the week before the launch.
“Our dispatchers now coordinate calls for both departments, helping police officers and firefighters get the information they need,” Chief LaPlante said. “I thank our dispatchers and Fire Department personnel for the work they put into preparing for this transition.”
Residents should continue to call 911 for emergencies. Both departments’ nonemergency phone numbers remain unchanged — 508-824-2716 for the Police Department and 508-824-2713 for the Fire Department.
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