News Release
For Immediate Release

SHERMAN, MAY 8, 2014 – Dr. Susan Thomas, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) announced today the TCOG 9-1-1 Program has completed the installation and implementation of new call taking equipment in all six of the Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) that make up the TCOG 9-1-1 Program.

Dr. Thomas stated, “We are excited to have the new 9-1-1 call taking equipment in the call centers. The TCOG 9-1-1 Program is dedicated to making sure that the 9-1-1 system is a robust and reliable system.” As the current analog 9-1-1 system transitions to Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1), the new equipment has capabilities that will allow us to transition to NG9-1-1 over the next several years.

The TCOG 9-1-1 Program provides the necessary equipment and network service to deliver 9-1-1 calls to the appropriate PSAP. The agency receiving the call will take the appropriate action to assist the caller with their emergency. The following agencies received new equipment: Cooke County Sheriff’s Office, Gainesville Police Department, Fannin County Sheriff’s Office, Bonham Police Department, Grayson County Office of Emergency Management, and the Whitesboro Police Department.

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.