Cad-To-Cad System Improves Departmental Collaboration
West Chester Township’s Dispatch Center is part of a regional group that was recently honored for their work in integrated Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) platforms that enable rapid sharing of critical emergency information.
West Chester joined Cincinnati Emergency Communications Center and communications centers from Hamilton County, Warren County, the City of Fairfield to develop and enhance a regional CAD-to-CAD interoperability platform over the past three years. Together they were honored with Ohio’s 2026 Technology Leadership Award, which is presented by the Ohio Chapters of the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials and the National Emergency Number Association (NENA).
“None of our public safety agencies operate in a bubble,” said West Chester Township Trustee Chair Ann Becker. “We are at our best when we collaborate to improve the safety of all our communities in this region. This award is an excellent example of what we can do when great IT personnel and dedicated dispatch professionals work together to refine a system that will help us all for years to come.”
The Technology Leadership Award recognizes outstanding leadership, innovation and commitment to advancing technology that improves emergency communications and public safety outcomes.
“I was proud to nominate this team for the award, and their work is making a real difference by helping our telecommunicators and first responders share critical information more quickly and effectively across our region," said Andrew Knapp of Hamilton County Communications Center.
By allowing dispatch centers to exchange incident information seamlessly across jurisdictions, the CAD-to-CAD platform improves situational awareness and reduces delays when events call for a coordinated response among multiple agencies. It ensures that first responders have the enhanced connectivity they need when seconds matter.
Collectively, these five agencies receive more than 2 million calls for service each year. Fast, reliable technology helps them to connect citizens in need with emergency personnel trained to assist them, along with specialized resources that don’t necessarily exist in every jurisdiction.
“We always call our Emergency Communications Team the ‘first first responders,’” said Lisa Brown, West Chester Township Administrator. “They take calls from people who are having their worst days, quickly gather essential information, and rapidly coordinate life-saving assistance. It is fulfilling to see this group recognized for their important work.”