Oregon’s 911 networks take a giant step into the future
By Terry Murry on Friday, May 29th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
SALEM – The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is advancing the modernization of Oregon’s emergency communications system through a partnership with Lumen Technologies and Intrado to bring Next Generation 911 (NG9-1-1) to dispatch centers across the state.
What’s unusual about this big improvement is that it is not an unfunded mandate with local centers having to foot the bill. Public Information Officer Shirley Blake said the state-wide upgrade is being paid for by OEM.
“Umatilla County Regional Dispatch Center is very excited about this,” Capt. Sterrin Ward of the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office said. “OEM pays for the upgrades. Our benefit is better service to the public through improved emergency communications.”
NG9-1-1 represents the next evolution of emergency communications technology. It replaces outdated analog systems with a modern, IP-based network designed to improve resiliency, interoperability, and emergency response coordination across the state, according to a news release from OEM.
“Oregon is committed to building a reliable, resilient, and future-ready 911 system for communities across the state,” OEM 911 Program Manager Frank Kuchta said. “These partnerships are an important step forward in strengthening emergency communications infrastructure and enhancing the services Oregonians rely on during emergencies.”
OEM photo shows representatives from the office, Lumen, and Intrado following the establishment of Oregon’s NG9-1-1 service agreement.
