VIDEO: Deputy Chief Kurt Ditzler expects a smooth transition arriving to the Durand Fire Protection District.
โHopefully itโs going to be very seamless,โ he anticipated.
Dritzler has worked with Durandโs volunteer fire service for 42 years. He describes โwavesโ of crowded or empty times inside the station near the villageโs downtown.
Until 2016, Winnebago County Fire Protection District #1 (which encompasses Durand and Shirlandโs fire services) relied on volunteers for 911 dispatching. Starting that year, District #1 switched to Mercyhealthโs Rockcom system for emergency communication.
Ditzler says another replacement is required. The deputy chief claims state law changes render Rockcom untenable, with Mercyhealth phasing out its 911 system reportedly due to a challenging demand for certifications.
โWith that agreement ending, they were forced to kind of find someone else to do it for them,โ said Interim Chief Brian Carlson with the Rockford Fire Department.
Fire leaders argue agreements approved by Rockford City Council October 6 provide a lifeline for District #1 as well as the Pecatonica Fire Protection District. Starting November 1, Rockford Fire will handle 911 dispatching for Durand, Pecatonica and Shirland.
