Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response explained

The Dutchess County Department Of Emergency Response has the responsibility of governing Emergency operations in Dutchess County, New York. This encompasses Police, Fire and EMS.

Dispatch system

The Dutchess County (DC) Fire and EMS radio system has 16 channels, comprising 9 UHF frequencies, that uses continuous tone coded squelch system (CTCSS) to eliminate outside interference, and Radio repeater base stations to enhance and extend the mobile communications. The 16 channels are divided into five main categories; Dispatch, Response, Command, Firegrounds & Field Operations. Individual agencies and departments can request their own frequency utilizing the UHF band.^[1]

Dispatch, Response, Command and Field Operations have repeater sites at Clove Tower (Union Vale), Illinois Mountain Tower (Highland), Silver Mountain Tower (Town of North East), Hosner Mountain Tower (East Fishkill), Depot Hill Tower (Beekman/Poughquag) and Woody Row Tower (formerly Milan Tower in Milan). Beginning on December 1, 2008; Dutchess 911 began simulcasting their Fire/EMS Dispatch channel on all towers allowing a call that's dispatched to be heard equally in all areas of the county, without any audio loss.^[2]

Firegrounds, which are used for multi-agency coordination and can be requested by a Fire Chief or a County Deputy Fire Coordinator (County Car). The Fireground channels utilize a combination of paired repeater, and simplex (talkaround) channels, which are commonly used at Structure Fire's, Auto Accident's and MCI's.^[3]

Unit identifiers

All Fire Departments in Dutchess County are issued an Agency Number (based on department name alphabetically), followed by the apparatus number. For the second set of numbers, different number ranges signify different types of apparatus. For instance, 11-19 is a Fire Engine. 21-29 is also a Fire Engine. 31-39 are Tankers (aka water tenders). There are other apparatus types with numbers ranging up to 99, however not all are listed here in this article.^[4]

Example, agency code number 32, would mean that it is Arlington, and then 45 means the apparatus is a Ladder. The final product looks like this: 32-45

EMS providers formerly utilized a similar numerical designation system as mentioned above for Fire Departments, but the number of ALS and BLS units present in the county exceeded the limits set forth in the numbering system, and transitioned into an Agency Name (i.e. NDP, TransCare, etc.), Unit Type (ALS Ambulance, BLS Ambulance, ALS Flycar), and Unit Number. As an example, Mobile Life Support Services uses numbers in the 200 range, and would call out as "Mobile Life Medic 2xx". TransCare uses a similar format, however they have a much greater range of numbers. Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps (BVAC) and NDP EMS are the only EMS Agencies in Dutchess County that are still officially assigned numbers such as those for the Fire Departments, such as Beacon Volunteer 82-72 (82 is the Agency ID and numbers in the 70's range signifies a BLS unit) or 82-89 (82 is the Agency ID and numbers in the 80's range signifies an ALS unit).

Fire and EMS agencies use the 4 digit number system mentioned above, whereas some Police use their agency name rather than a department or agency code. For example, Town of Hyde Park Police are referred to as "Hyde Park Car xx". The Dutchess County Sheriff would use an identifier of "DC69", the DC stands for Dutchess County, and the 69 represents the unit number.

The New York State Police use a variety of identifiers, such as 1Kxx, 2Kxx, 7Kxxx as well as others. The first number identifies which zone they are based out of. The 'K' represents that the unit's main reporting Troop.

Divisions

Dutchess County has numerous county-wide divisions which can respond to handle a wide array of instances;

Communications Division - This division comprises all communications equipment and systems that are used to receive 911 wire line and wireless calls. The 911 Communications Center dispatches Police, EMS and Fire units and communicates with these units throughout emergencies. There is continuous maintenance, updating and upgrading of all systems to ensure that the best possible communications system is available for those we service. The operation of the 911 Center and the entire infrastructure is the responsibility of this division. The 911 Communications Center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Critical Incident Stress Management Team -this team is a group of highly trained volunteers who are supplemented by the Dutchess County Department of Mental Hygiene’s Trauma Team. This team is available directly to fire districts, EMS agencies and Police departments in Dutchess County. The team is used for counseling and consoling First Responders who may be faced with horrific or extremely infrequent incidents. The team may respond directly to the scene, or they may respond to the station where they hold a diffusing and debriefing session where first responders can make their thoughts known. When members call out responding they use the identifier CT-x
Emergency Management - As required by the New York State Defense Emergency Act adopted in 1951, every county or city is mandated to establish a civil defense organization and the New York State Executive Law, Article 2-B of 1980 authorizes the established Office of Emergency Management to plan and prepare for natural and man-made disasters. The “parent” agency is the New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO), which is the conduit for Dutchess County to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).The federal concept, which is adopted throughout the nation, is the Integrated Emergency Management System. This system is FEMA’s implementation of the Comprehensive Emergency Management Concept, which is in place in Dutchess County. The primary function of this division is to develop and maintain a comprehensive emergency management capability in cooperation with other governmental agencies and the private sector.
EMS Division - Not necessarily a complete team, in contrast with the rest of the divisions, but as a county, if summoned, the Dispatch Center can mobilize every department in a single dispatch to relocate or respond to incidents that may happen around the state. For instance, on September 11, 2001 Dutchess County ambulances were relocated to New York City to help backfill for departments in the city, whose resources were spread thin. During the Blackout of 2003 ambulances were dispatched to New York City to provide services for residents.
Fire Investigation Division - This team is a group of volunteer fire investigators which are dispatched to all vehicle or structure fires where arson or foul play is suspected. Their headquarters is at the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response Dispatch Center in Hyde Park, New York. Their identifier, in which members use to call out is FID-x.
Fire and Rescue - The seven (7) deputy coordinators are assigned to seven individual response areas known as “Battalions”. At the requests of the Fire Coordinator or Fire Chief, Deputy Coordinators who respond to mutual aid events and assist in providing mutual aid assistance and other resources as required. They provide advice and council as required; ensure the use of Incident Command and unity command at incidents; and work closely with Fire Chiefs (Incident Commanders) in ensuring life safety priorities and integrity of the emergency scene and resources. The overall goal is to maintain preservation of the Dutchess County Mutual Aid Plan. The Deputy Coordinators also work with local governmental agencies in developing disaster plans at the local level and assist with pre-planning activities and exercising these plans. They meet regularly with the fire chiefs to facilitate open communications as well as interface with the 911 Communications Center. They also represent the County Coordinator at the local level. This division coordinates resources to be sent throughout New York State per the New York State Fire Mobilization and Mutual Aid Plan which Dutchess County is enrolled in. Fire apparatus and firefighters have been frequently sent to the northern portions of the state to assist during ice storms that paralyzed that region. Dutchess County is frequently put on standby notice for large-scale emergencies that occur throughout our state. Members of the Fire and Rescue Division are on call 24 hours a day. The members of this division are volunteer deputy fire coordinators.
Fire Police Response Team - A team which is available to fire districts that may have a shortage of Fire Police, or may be operating at a scene for a lengthy period of time. They provide scene safety, crowd control, traffic control and scene integrity. Fire Police are sworn Peace Officers in the State of New York. When dispatched members call out responding using RT-x
Fire Prevention and Public Education - The Fire Prevention/Public Safety Division members come from Fire and EMS agencies throughout Dutchess County and join as a group to provide fire safety and injury prevention education to the people of Dutchess County. Membership is open to any volunteer and/or career members from any of the Fire or EMS services within Dutchess County. This division maintains a library of videotapes, handouts and various props to be loaned to local groups conducting fire prevention education activities. Division members may also come to the local educational events and provide support. The division has specialized equipment, which is a small robot in the form of a fire hydrant, and a commercial Fire Safety Trailer donated by the Dyson Foundation. These are available for use upon request, but a special certification of operators are needed. This group is especially busy during Fire Prevention Week each October and several weeks prior and after.
Hazardous Materials Division - Dutchess County has a truck, manned by volunteer personnel which can be called to a Haz-Mat scene where fire department apparatus is not sufficient. A Chief places a call to county, requesting the truck and crew, and then they are dispatched. The truck is housed at the Communications Center in the Town Of Hyde Park. Members identifiers used for dispatching is HM-x
Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) - MRC Volunteers help prepare for and respond to emergencies by adding to the existing local emergency and public health resources. MRC Volunteers are office workers, interpreters, chaplains, legal advisors, and so on. MRC Volunteers are medical and public health professionals such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, veterinarians, and epidemiologists. An MRC Volunteer is able to: Assist local hospitals and health departments with surge personnel needs, Participate in mass prophylaxis and vaccination and community disaster drills and Train with local emergency response partners
Training - A Deputy Coordinator is assigned the duties of the Training Administrator. The Training Administrator works with the Battalion Coordinators and schedules NYS Fire Academy Outreach Courses in the local fire stations per the needs of the Fire Chief. With five New York State Fire Instructors assigned to Dutchess County, the Training Administrator coordinates the State Fire Instructors in providing basic to advanced firefighter classes including fire officer management. Traditionally, Dutchess County has provided between 1200 and 1500 training hours each year, both in classroom and practical evolutions at the Fire Training Center. Dutchess County maintains a Fire Training Academy at 392 Creek Road. Classrooms and several training evolutions such as a training tower, two story live burn facility, mask confidence course, firefighter survival simulator, confined space training simulator and propane fire simulator, as well as, vehicle pads to practice extrication. Any fire department, police or EMS agency that has certified instructors may register to use these facilities.

Departments

Department ID	Page	Description/Location
14	DCER	Career and Volunteer Members Dutchess County Dispatch, County Car's, Supervisors, FID, Haz-Mat Team & Mobile Command Post.
31	Amenia	Volunteer
32	Arlington Fire District	Career/Volunteer Covers largest portion of the Town of Poughkeepsie.
33	City of Beacon	Career/Volunteer Beacon, New York
34	Beekman	Volunteer
35	Chelsea	Volunteer Covers the southern portion of the Town of Wappinger and Town of Fishkill Just north of the city of Beacon, and Dutchess Stadium.
36	Dover	Volunteer Covers the town of Dover and a small portion of the town of Washington
37	Dutchess Junction	Volunteer Covers a portion of the Town of Fishkill, just south of the City of Beacon.
38	East Clinton	Volunteer Covers the eastern portion of the Town of Clinton and a small portion of the town of Washington.
39	East Fishkill	Volunteer Covers the Town of East Fishkill
41	Fairview	Career/Volunteer Combination fire department that covers sections of the Town of Poughkeepsie and Town of Hyde Park.
42	Fishkill (Village)	Volunteer Covers the Village of Fishkill.
43	Glenham	Volunteer Covers a portion of the Town of Fishkill.
44	Hillside	Volunteer Covers a portion of the Town of Rhinebeck.
45	Hughsonville	Volunteer Covers a portion of the Town of Wappinger
46	Hyde Park	Volunteer Covers a portion of the Town of Hyde Park.
47	LaGrange	Career/Volunteer Combination fire department.
48	Milan	Volunteer Covers the Town of Milan, and has a Fire Protection District in the town of Gallatin, New Yorkin Columbia County to the North.
49	Millbrook	Volunteer Covers the Village of Millbrook, and Town of Washington.
51	Millerton	Volunteer Covers the Village of Millerton, and Town of North East.
52	New Hackensack	Volunteer Covers a portion of the Town of Wappinger.
53	New Hamburg	Volunteer Covers a portion of the Town of Poughkeepsie.
54	Pawling	Volunteer Covers the Town and Village of Pawling.
55	Pine Plains	Volunteer Covers the Town of Pine Plains, and has a Fire Protection District in the town of Gallatin, New Yorkin Columbia County to the North.
56	Pleasant Valley	Career/Volunteer Combination fire department with Career Firefighter/EMTs during the daytime.
57	City of Poughkeepsie	Career Career firefighters. Covers the City of Poughkeepsie. (Dispatched by Public Safety Dispatchers of the City of Poughkeepsie PSAP, which is also DC911's backup PSAP.
58	Red Hook	Volunteer Covers the Village of Red Hook, and a large portion of the Town of Red Hook.
59	Rhinebeck	Volunteer Covers the Village of Rhinebeck and a large portion of the Town of Rhinebeck.
61	Rhinecliff	Volunteer Covers the hamlet of Rhinecliff, which is a portion of the Town of Rhinebeck.
62	Rombout	Volunteer Covers a large portion of the Town of Fishkill.
63	Roosevelt	Volunteer Covers a large portion of the Town of Hyde Park.
64	Staatsburg	Defunct Absorbed/merged with the Roosevelt Fire District on July 2, 2018.
65	Stanford	Volunteer Covers the town of Stanford.
66	Tivoli	Volunteer Covers the Village of Tivoli and a portion of the Town of Red Hook.
67	Union Vale	Volunteer Covers the town of Union Vale.
68	Wappinger's Falls	Volunteer Fire department covering the Village of Wappinger's Falls.
69	Wassaic	Volunteer, Covers the hamlet of Wassaic in the Town of Amenia.
71	West Clinton	Volunteer Covers the western portion of the Town of Clinton and part of Hyde Park along North Quaker Lane.
81	Alamo EMS	Disbanded Acquired by TransCare EMS in 2009.
82	Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps	Combination Paid and Volunteer BLS ambulance provider that covers the City Of Beacon and parts of the Town of Fishkill, including the Glenham, Dutchess Junction, and Fishkill portion of the Chelsea Fire District.
83	Sloper-Willen Ambulance	Disbanded Acquired by Alamo EMS in 2004.
84	NDP EMS	Commercial Contracted ALS provider for towns of Dover, Amenia, Northeast and Washington, the villages of Millbrook and Millerton as well as Hyde Park and Roosevelt Fire Districts with ALS intercept services to Pine Plains, Milan, Stanford, East Clinton, West Clinton, Rhinebeck, Rhinecliff, Red Hook, Hillside, and Tivoli Fire Districts.
85	TransCare EMS	Disbanded Declared Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2016 and liquidated, acquired by EMStar who was then bought by Empress EMS in 2021
86	Mobile Life Support Services	Disbanded Acquired by Empress EMS in 2022.
87	Empress Ambulance	Commercial Contracted ALS provider for the entire ty of Southern Dutchess County.
91	Castle Point VA Hospital	Career	Federal Fire Department issued the responsibility of protecting the Castle Point VA Hospital and grounds.
92	Dutchess County Airport	Career One ARFF vehicle, 92-11. Manned by on-site staff trained in ARFF, as well as CFR's. Supplemented by the New Hackensack FD.
93	Green Haven Correctional Facility	Fire Brigade One main attack engine, 93-11. Manned by staff trained in firefighting, as well as CFR's.
94	Harlem Valley Psych Center	Disbanded Purchased by a developer, this site remains abandoned buildings. Coverage is now provided by the Dover FD.
95	Hudson River Psych Center	Disbanded Purchased by a developer, this site remains abandoned buildings. Coverage is now provided by the Fairview FD.
96	GlobalFoundries Emergency Control - East Fishkill	Career Full Time fire protection service for the GF East Fishkill plant
97	IBM Emergency Control - Poughkeepsie	Career Full Time fire protection service for the IBM Poughkeepsie plant. Formerly staffed by IBM employees, services are now contracted out to G4S Secure Solutions.
98	Matteawan Correctional Facility	Disbanded Today, as the Fishkill Correctional Facility, coverage is provided by local FD's.
99	Wassaic Developmental Center	Disbanded The former "State School" off Route 22 in Wassaic, Near the Tenmile River Train Station. Coverage is now provided by the Wassaic FD

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External links

Notes and References

Web site: Emergency Response.
Web site: County Executive.
Web site: Dutchess County, New York (NY) Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference.
Web site: Emergency Response.
http://www.co.dutchess.ny.us/CountyGov/ESproviders.htm
http://www.co.dutchess.ny.us/CountyGov/13899.htm
http://www.co.dutchess.ny.us/CountyGov/ESCalling911.htm#police