Rep. Dell'Aquila Appointed to the Statewide Emergency Services Internet Protocol Network Steering Committee

COLUMBUS- State Rep. Richard Dell’Aquila (D-Seven Hills) today announced his appointment by Speaker of the House Jason Stephens to serve on the statewide Emergency Services Internet Protocol (ESINet) Steering Committee. 

“I am honored to have been nominated by Leader Russo and appointed by House Speaker Stephens to this important duty,” said Rep. Dell’Aquila. “During my time as Seven Hills’ mayor, I worked with the mayors of Brecksville, Independence and Broadview Heights in the establishment of the new Cuyahoga Valley Emergency Dispatch Center.  I will bring that experience to this position. As a licensed ham radio operator (KD8SCT), I am also interested in the MARCS radio technology that facilitates communication between and among our emergency first responders. I look forward to participating in the important work of this committee to advance the safety of all Ohioans.”

 The Ohio ESINet Steering Committee is tasked with: 

• Addressing the development of a statewide ESINet, including a review of the current funding model for this state's 9-1-1 systems;
• Examining the readiness of the state's current technology infrastructure to support Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1);
• Researching legislative authority with regard to governance and funding;
• Making recommendations for consolidation of public-safety-answering-point operations in this state to accommodate next-generation 9-1-1 technology and to facilitate a more efficient and effective emergency services system;
• Recommending policies, procedures, and statutory or regulatory authority to effectively govern a statewide emergency services internet protocol network, and;]
• Coordinating with statewide initiatives and associations.

The Cuyahoga Valley Emergency Dispatch Center, now as part of the Chagrin Valley Emergency Dispatch Center, currently serves 33 agencies. The MARCS (Multi-Agency Radio Communication System) is dedicated to providing Ohio's first responders and public safety providers with state-of-the-art wireless digital communications, and to promote interoperability, in order to save lives and maximize effectiveness in both normal operations and emergency situations. This includes local, state and federal agencies.

For questions or inquiries, please reach out to Rep. Dell’Aquila’s office at 614-466-3100 or by emailing Rep15@ohiohouse.gov.