During its regular meeting Oct. 14, the Pettis County Ambulance District Board of Directors heard an update on the ongoing implementation of moving the district’s dispatch services to the Sedalia Police Department’s control.

Currently PCAD uses Morgan County dispatch but was recently approved by the Sedalia City Council to move to SPD services. The change will decrease response time for area residents to receive medical care and ambulance services.

SPD Cmdr. Matt Wirt spoke to the board, telling them training for the current and soon-to-be-hired dispatchers will begin in late November or early December. There will be a minimum of two dispatchers on duty at all times and everyone will receive complete medical dispatch training. The SPD is also working on infrastructure changes, moving the Communications Center to a different part of the police building to allow for more room.

“We’re moving along, we hope to have a hard and fast deadline (for when the merger is complete) by Jan. 1,” he said. “We’ll also be working with the PCAD medical director to make sure that whoever answers the phone knows the proper protocol.”

PCAD Administrator Mike Gardner thanked Wirt and the SPD, saying his employees were excited for the merger.

“We already have a great relationship with the police department so I know our guys are looking forward to the switch,” he said.

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