Governor Josh Shapiro's proposed budget aims to help 911 centers

POTTSVILLE, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WOLF) — Governor Josh Shapiro visiting Montgomery County today-- highlighting his plan in investing in Pennsylvania's 9-1-1 emergency dispatch system, firefighters and emergency medical services.

We'retold it’s not just a shortage in Schuylkill County, but throughout the commonwealth.

On average, the Schuylkill County 911 call center receives 6,400 calls in one month.

Scott Krater, 911 communications director tells FOX56 they should have 26 staff members, but they have 23.

Krater tells FOX56 they are the first, first responders when emergency arises in the county.

“Were here to help people, we’re here to help any visitors or residents of the county, their calling us if there not having a good day or a bad day. We try to be the assistance or that link between us and the responders,” saidScott Krater, 911 communications director.

“You have to multitask and you’re dealing with people who aren’t having a good day, so you’re hearing the worst sometimes and you have to relay that to the field units,” said Krater.

The shortage crisis becomes a strain on the 911 call center dispatchers at the center due to overtime.

Governor Shapiro’s proposed budget would offer $50 million in county 9-1-1 systems and apply $36 million to equipment, training, and staffing needs for firefighters and EMS providers.

“We cannot sustain this and have safe communities. That’s why my budget, my “Commonsense” budget purposes to make real investments in these areas, to address these public safety challenges,” said Governor of Pennsylvania,Josh Shapiro.

“We’ll increase our 911 surcharge by $0.35 to generate over $50 million for the dispatch system," added Shapiro.

Krater believes its great move that Governor Shapiro’s acknowledged the ongoing issue.

“There’s a shortage of everything. Fortunately, were volunteer here for fire and EMS, some paid and their having staffing issues, as well as the police. We’re all in the same boat, hopefully there’s some help for everybody,” said Krater.