Medford to Implement New 911 Info System

The City of Medford will be implementing a new 911 information system aimed at better helping public safety personnel responses to emergencies.

Medford Mayor Michael McGlynn said at a press conference last week the system will allow individuals to "put together their own profile so when police and fire are responding, they will know the needs of that individual."

McGlynn said a similar system had been used in the past but they included forms that needed to be filled out and entered manually.

"This process will be much smoother," he said.

McGlynn said Medford will be the first city in the state to implement the program from Framingham-based Smart911.

Jessica Olson, community marketing manager for Smart911, said the system will allow residents "the ability to proactively provide information about themselves, their families and their households to public safety prior to an emergency happening through a secure website."

Olson said the purpose of the system is to save time and "hopefully better outcomes for all involved."

New software for Smart911 will cost the city $27,000, money McGlynn said will come from the $450,000 payment the city received from Clear Channel for their billboard agreement.

McGlynn said once available, residents will be able to update their information at any time from their homes.