They're coming out of the dark ages, and into the light, with new technology. The Levy County Sheriff's Office announced at today's commission meeting that they are using silent dispatching, or mobile data terminals. It's a software that allows deputies to have the information they need at their fingertips. The decision was made by the sheriff and requires all departments to either be on board or be on their own.
Major Evan Sullivan says they've been using the new software since February 21st, and it has already lightened the workload on their deputies. Sullivan says the Sheriff's Office provides dispatching for County Fire and EMS, at no charge to them, and if they want that to continue with that, they will need to be on board.
Director of Levy County EMS, Trish Seibold, says their not prepared to take on another expense and feels forced to use a program they don't even know will work in their system.
County Commissioners were not opposed to mobile data terminals, but say they still need to see whether it will even work for the other departments. Either way, the Sheriff's Office is in the new age, only time will tell whether the other departments will join them.