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VA gets nod from Governors Assocation for interoperability communications best practices | 12.07.2006 | 05:55:57 | Views: 5373 | ID: December 7 '06: Initiatives in Virginia to link first responders into a statewide interoperable network are being met with commendation the Richmond Times Dispatch reported this week. A report released by the National Governors Association looked at interoperable efforts across the US, detailing communications development initiatives since the attacks on 9/11 and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Under the direction of Governor Tim Kaine (D), wireless interoperable communications networks are being built to link first responders, emergency managers, law enforcement and fire officials and medical personnel. In recent months, Kaine also moved to institute common language protocol for on-air communication to help reduce conversational barriers. The Times Dispatch reported, "Virginia created on statewide office with many regional partners to make sure federal homeland security money was well spent on communications equipment that works across agency and jurisdictional boundaries." To help facilitate the development of the networks, an interoperability coordinator position, filled by Chris Essid, was created "to help local and state agencies buy the right communications equipment." The NGA report said of the VA plan, "The governance model consists of a full-time Commonwealth Interoperability Coordinator within the Commonwealth Interoperability Coordinator's Office (CICO), the State Interoperability Executive Committee (SEIC) as established by Executive Order, and the State Interoperability Advisory Group. The SEIC and Advisory Group consist of state, local and regional representatives."
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