Am I the only person that thinks that the County 911 system is substandard compared to what we had in the past?

Every single time I have called the County 911 system, invariably I get somebody that is obviously having a bad day, doesn't know the local roads, can't spell, gets addresses wrong, or is generally an arrogant prick. And that is if they answer immediately. If there is a problem in the City (a game lets out, the regatta, or some other big event), invariably you get delays....not good if your house is burning down.

Just a few weeks ago, we had a rather large house fire in Brentwood. My understanding from several people was that the County 911 operator dispatched the rescue responders to the wrong address. Not that they could miss a burning house. But the point is that these people in the County 911 Dispatch Center who are answering our emergency calls are generally clueless to our needs.'

Thursday night I called about a potential burglary in progress. The operator asked for an address, but I couldn't give one because I was unfamiliar with the street, but I did give them several landmarks, which are known. This wasn't enough and the operator got upset with me instead of being helpful.

And what about the so-called "caller ID" that is supposed to give directions to the County 911 operator. Does this even work? You couldn't tell by the questions these dullards ask.

Thank god all of these conversations are recorded, so if anyone does care, they can review them.

When I call the police, fire, or ambulance, I want a local resident to answer the phone who knows our streets, knows our neighborhoods, and might even know the person. We pay taxes to the Borough as well as fees on our land and cellular telephones to fund this service. I don't want someone who doesn't have a clue where Brownsville Road is, or where Slaters Funeral home is, or where the Hollow is. These are legitimate concerns!!!!!

I wish Brentwood-Whitehall-and-Baldwin would use a combined-local dispatch center. It is better for the safety of all the citizens of our community.