Tumwater Fire Department to tap into TCOMM 911s modernized alert system

Tumwater City Council approved an agreement with Thurston 911 Communications to implement a modernized alert system for the fire department. The new system will replace an outdated 25-year-old alert method, allowing notifications to activate only in the rooms of those who need to respond. Fire Chief Brian Hurley highlighted that this change will improve response times and situational awareness while addressing the health concerns linked to traditional alarms. Research shows that jolting awake multiple times a night can lead to heart disease, a significant risk for firefighters. The agreement allows Tumwater to use TCOMM 911’s existing gateway controller, which costs around $50,000, providing a cost-effective solution.

Funding has been secured for the main fire station, while the North End Fire Station will be updated during its remodeling. Additionally, the council approved a Wi-Fi terminal setup at the police station for software updates on emergency radios. These updates are part of a broader transition to a digital radio system across the county.