Township to provide all Franklin dispatch services

By Lisa Brody

Beginning Thursday, April 25, all dispatch services for both Franklin police and fire will be performed by Bloomfield Township's dispatch, following unanimous approval by the Bloomfield Township board of trustees at their meeting on Wednesday, April 24, to take over over the dispatch services for Franklin's fire from Oakland County Sheriff's Department.

The agreement took effect immediately, at midnight April 25.

Bloomfield Township already provides dispatch services for Franklin's police department.

According to Bloomfield Township Police Chief James Gallagher, the new agreement to take over the dispatch services for fire services prevents a delay in services to residents in Franklin, which also provides services to neighboring Bingham Farms, as emergency calls coming in to dispatch had previously had to be rerouted and transferred to the sheriff's department, causing delays in service.

Gallagher said it was also more cost effective for residents of Franklin and Bingham Farms, as Oakland County Sheriff's Department had raised the rates for all the communities they provide dispatch services.

According to the agreement between Bloomfield Township and Franklin, it is for a term of one year, and on its anniversary date, and on each successive annual anniversary date, it will automatically renew for an additional one- year term unless and until either party, with or without cause, chooses to terminate this agreement by providing 90 days advance written notice of termination to the other party.

The township will provide 24/7 dispatch services, including EMS services. The Village of Franklin is to pay $35 per run dispatched for fire services, with two-percent annual increases.

“Because of my background in public safety, I know seconds matter. This is a win-win for everyone,” said trustee Chris Kolinski.

Trustees voted 5-0 to approve the agreement, with supervisor Dani Walsh absent and trustee Stephanie Fakih having stepped out.