SREC terminates contract with Spokane Fire, city now has six months for new 911 service

SPOKANE, Wash. — It’s now officially over. Spokane Regional Emergency Communications has formally terminated its contract with the Spokane Fire Department which starts a countdown for the city to establish its own 911 system.

SREC and the city had been negotiating for a possible new contract but could not come to a resolution.

SREC said the city was unwilling to fully embrace the regionalized model and SREC was unwilling to make proposed substantial changes by the city.

The City of Spokane previously announced plans to establish its own 911 system, and with the termination of the SREC contract, now has six months to finish that job.

“We have consistently provided information, responded to every request, and even directly supported the City’s consultants in their work,” said Lori Markham, Executive Director of SREC. “Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, it has become clear that the city desires local control over its dispatch services and is no longer interested in being part of a fully regionalized, shared model built for efficiency and public safety.”