ERC Project to Support Local Emergency Communication Recognized by City

Asheville, NC (September 17, 2013) – The City of Asheville is recognizing the Education and Research Consortium of the Western Carolinas (ERC), for their extensive work connecting 12 Fire Stations and 4 Police Stations to emergency dispatchers on September 17 at a ceremonial activation of the new fiber optic network.

“Fiber connection to our fire stations is a critical component of getting help to our citizens as quickly as possible,” says Asheville Fire Chief Scott Burnette. “Alerting our firefighters at fiber speeds shortens their response time by 400 percent. This equates to more lives saved and less property damaged by fires in our community, and also increases the safety of our firefighters.”

The event begins at 11:30 a.m.. Mayor Bellamy will open the ceremony at noon on the back lot of the Murphy-Oakley Community Center and Fire Station Building located at 749 Fairview Road.

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