FENWICK ISLAND, Del. - What was once a storage room at the Fenwick Island Police Department has officially been transformed into a fully functional Emergency Operations Center, just in time for the busy summer season.
Police Chief Michael Morrissey, while unpacking one of the final boxes for the room, said the new space is a significant upgrade for the department. “I saw we had no capability to plan a major event or meet and communicate with our partners,” Morrissey said.
The entire project was funded using grant money the department received. Chief Morrissey made it a priority to add a room like this to the department after realizing how helpful such a space was during his time in Washington, D.C.
Previously, police meetings were held at the Fenwick Island Town Hall, requiring back-and-forth trips between buildings. With the new operations center now in-house, the department can streamline its decision-making and communications.
“We don’t have to go running between the two buildings to make decisions and then communicate them to our staff over here,” he said.
What was once a storage room at the Fenwick Island Police Department has officially been transformed into a fully functional Emergency Operations Center.
The center is equipped with tools designed to help officers manage emergencies more efficiently. A television displays the Weather Channel for storm tracking, while a smartboard allows for video conferencing and training sessions. Assignment rosters and other critical information are also easily accessible on the walls.
At the center of the room sits a large desk, the hub for team coordination. “For a small operation, I think we have everything we need,” Morrissey added.
With the Emergency Operations Center now fully operational, the Fenwick Island Police Department says it is better prepared for whatever challenges the summer may bring.