Final Broadcast From West County Fire Control

Leigh George makes the farewell radio transmission from the West Erie County Emergency Communication Center: 2400 / 0000 Hours on January 1, 2012.

The West Erie County Emergency Communication Center was "on the air" from September 1, 1961 until December 31, 2011 serving the residents of Albion, Cranesville, Conneaut Township, Edinboro, Elk Creek Township, Fairview Borough, Fairview Township, Franklin Township, Girard Borough, Girard Township, Lake City, Platea, and Washington Township.

West County first offered 911 service to the residents of the 774 (Girard) telephone exchange beginning in 1983. Residents of the 756 & 922 telephone exchanges began receiving 911 service in 1989 when Alltel upgraded the telephone switching equipment. Enhanced 911 service began in 1993.

The communication center was deemed "redundant" and eliminated as a cost saving measure in 2011. This was the last broadcast by public servants that are now unemployed.

I was the supervisor of the West County 911 center from 1991 until I was fired in 1997 for "wiretapping." I was succeeded by Mr. Mark Schultz who did a phenomenal job in keeping the center operational until it closed at the end of 2011.

West County did its part in saving the lives of literally thousands of Erie County Residents during its fifty years of service. You can't put a price on that sort of public benefit.

To Barry Grossman and the "bean counters" that deemed West County redundant in 2011, all I can say is you were very wrong.

--
Micheal H. McCabe
Former Supervisor
West Erie County Emergency Communication Center
FCC Call Sign: KNBD551

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