CLARION, Pa. (EYT) — Wednesday was the first day on the job for Clarion County Public Safety Director Jeff Smathers, but he still felt he was entering familiar territory.
“I’ve had 20 years working with mobile communications, which was a Motorola shop,” said Smathers. “We basically designed and implemented emergency communication for 911 centers. Walking into that portion of it, I’m very familiar with the interworking of the office, so I look to improve and make some small changes there.”
“All in all, it’s a very familiar world for me.”
He also has over 36 years of experience in public safety that prepares him for the new job.
“I’ve been brought on as part of a restructuring for the 911 Center and the emergency management office. Part of the job is to streamline the two departments with one department head and update both departments moving forward.”
“The 911 Center (restructuring) is basically getting ready to move to (the) next commutation realm that is basically the digital realm or the P25standard. This standard allows them to share resources with other counties, communications, and be on the same platform. It allows one county to communicate with another. Even though the radio systems are different, the P25 standard allows them to openly communicate.”
“As far as the EMA, there will be a little restructuring on that side — making sure we have updates done as far as training, see what the county needs as far as emergency services, and making sure our volunteers have the training updates for equipment and their needs.”
