FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 17, 2016) – Today Gov. Matthew Bevin issued an executive order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Commonwealth’s emergency response system by reorganizing the Kentucky 911 Services Board.
“The citizens of the Commonwealth depend on 911 dispatch centers for life-saving communications during emergency situations day and night,” Gov. Bevin stated. “As Kentucky’s 911 system transitions from an outdated analog model to modern digital capabilities, it is imperative that the leadership of the initiative follows the most effective and efficient strategy possible. Kentucky is not currently a leader in the implementation of Next Generation 911 technology. For the safety of our citizens we must adopt NG911 solutions.”
The executive order:
• Reduces the board’s membership from 15 to five members, reducing board travel expenses and reimbursement expenses.
• Creates an advisory council made up of 13 members appointed by the Governor.
• Transitions daily management and oversight of the board to the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security (KOHS), which will increase staff management efficiency and lower operating costs.
• The board is administratively attached to KOHS per KRS 39G.040 and KOHS maintains a robust grants department that administers millions of dollars annually in federal grants.
Membership of the newly constituted 911 Services Board will include:
• The secretary of the Public Protection Cabinet.
• The executive director of the Office of Homeland Security.
• The director of the Division of Emergency Management.
• The commissioner of the Department of Local Government.
• One citizen appointed by the Governor who is an attorney or accountant and who is not an employee of the state or a local government. Gov. Bevin has appointed William L. McElheney of Florence as the citizen representative of the 911 Services Board.
“Moving forward, the Kentucky 911 Services Board will maintain laser focus on maximizing resources to all Kentucky communities in order to transition the Commonwealth’s emergency response communications system into the 21st Century,” KOHS Executive Director John Holiday said.
