The Lake County Technology Committee convened on August 29, 2025, to discuss critical advancements in emergency response technology. The meeting, held at 8:30 AM and accessible via Zoom, began with a roll call and proceeded without public comments or unfinished business.

A significant agenda item was the approval of a joint resolution to authorize an agreement with Priority Dispatch Corp for the purchase of a back-end database. This system, costing $100,281.95, will be utilized by the Lake County Emergency Telephone System Board and the Lake County Sheriff's Office. The funding for this project is largely supported by the Lake County ATSB, which has contributed over $74,000.

The new system aims to enhance emergency medical dispatch (EMD) capabilities, a necessity as the Illinois State Police has indicated that current waivers allowing the Sheriff's Office to operate without EMD will not be renewed indefinitely. The integration of this technology will enable dispatchers to provide immediate medical instructions to callers while emergency services are en route, potentially saving critical time during medical emergencies.

IT Manager Bernard Melkov and Director of Communications Bruce Nichols highlighted the importance of this system, noting that it will streamline the dispatch process and reduce the need for call transfers. Currently, dispatchers lack the tools to handle medical emergencies effectively, which can lead to delays in response times. The new system will allow dispatchers to ask pertinent questions and provide guidance based on established protocols.

Committee members expressed concerns about the existing dual 911 systems in Lake County, questioning the necessity of additional funding for a new system when one is already in place. However, it was clarified that the new system would not only improve service efficiency but also serve as a backup in case of outages at existing dispatch centers.

The committee unanimously approved the motion to proceed with the agreement, marking a significant step towards improving emergency response services in Lake County. The implementation of this technology is expected to be swift, with training for dispatchers planned shortly after the purchase is finalized. This initiative reflects Lake County's commitment to enhancing public safety through technological advancements in emergency services.