Communications Division

Under the direction of Chief Communications Officer Sharon Noble, the Ajax Fire and Emergency Services Communications Division operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week, providing the following services:

• Answer incoming emergency calls and dispatch Ajax Fire and Emergency Services (AFES) and Pickering Fire Services (PFS) apparatus to emergencies in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate location and status information for all AFES apparatus, and record pertinent information relating to the response to emergency incidents, using the Crisys Xpert Fire Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
• Control all AFES and PFS radio communications using the Motorola 800 MHz radio system in order to ensure effective radio communications are maintained.
• Ensure that all radio transmissions and telephone calls handled in the Communications Division are recorded using the Nice CallFocus 3 Audio Logging System.
• Function as a resource to the AFES and PFS emergency crews in order to maintain an effective and efficient response to emergency incidents.

The AFES Communications Centre is state-of-the-art.  Our multi-position, dedicated and secure facility contains three stand-alone functional dispatch positions that each include:

• Crisys "Xpert Fire" Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System
• Nice CallFocus 3 audio logging system
• Motorola 800 MHz radio system
• Bramic ergonomically correct workstations
• Bell primary and secondary phone systems
• The men and women in the Communications Division work in a demanding, high-pressure, ever-changing environment that requires a high level of multi-task competence and a "second to none" ability to remain calm and efficient under stress and pressure.
  

• Ajax Fire & Emergency Services dispatched over 4000 emergency calls for service within Ajax in 2011, with an average dispatch time of approximately one minute
• We handled nearly another 1000 calls in 2011 for other services, including the Brock Township Fire Department, for whom Ajax Fire and Emergency Services provides 24/7 dispatch services
• In 2011, Ajax and Pickering Fire Communication Divisions became one. Working out of the AFES Headquarters Communications Centre, Alarm Operators provide full dispatch services for both the Town of Ajax and the City of Pickering
• Over 3,000 emergency calls for service have been dispatched for Pickering Fire Services in 2011.
  

The AFES and PFS Communications Centre is a self-contained, secure facility that is located within the AFES Headquarters Station.  In addition to the multi-position console area, the Centre contains a locker and lounge area, kitchenette and fully accessible washroom facilities.

By providing self-contained service areas, on-duty Alarm Operators can have access to the equipment and tools they require without having to leave the room - an important consideration given that this service never shuts down, closes or goes out of service!

For more information on the Communications Division of the Ajax Fire and Emergency Services, or to arrange a tour of our Communications Centre, contact the Chief Communications Officer by E-mail or by phone at 905-686-6061.