Patrick S. Boyd

State Representative Pat Boyd (D – Pomfret) and Senator Mae Flexer laud the Connecticut State Bond Commission's approval of $1.5 million for upgrades to the regional Quinebaug Valley Emergency Communications System (QVEC).

The Commission approved the funding during its meeting on Friday.

This allocation is the second part of a multi-year funding initiative Rep. Boyd proposed after meeting with local fire chiefs, police chiefs, and the Volunteer Boards of Tolland County (TN) and Quinebaug Valley (QV) Dispatch organizations three years ago. This initiative will modernize the E-911 network in Connecticut's "Quiet Corner" and ensure faster dispatch of resources to the scene of an emergency.

"The Quinebaug Valley Emergency Communications System, the primary 911 answering point for Northeastern Connecticut continues to grow and improve since it moved out of the State Police Troop D Barracks. This funding, coupled with previous awards, represents the most significant and impactful investment in emergency communications infrastructure in Eastern Connecticut. I would like to express my gratitude to members of the regional delegation for being strong partners in securing this award and to Governor Lamont and the entire State Bond Commission for choosing to invest in public safety and in eastern Connecticut. In particular, I would like to thank Senator Flexer for her advocacy to help get the final funding over the finish line. I would also like to thank Chuck Kelleher the Executive Director of QVEC for his partnership in working out the details of this project proposal” said Rep. Boyd.

"The Quinebaug Valley Emergency Communications center is coming up on its 50th anniversary. Its equipment was considered 'state of the art' a decade ago when they moved out of Troop D," said Sen. Flexer. "Especially over the last two and a half years, our first responders have put themselves in harm's way over and over again. Now it's time to give back to our superhero first responders who watch over 100,000 people across 500 square miles in eastern Connecticut and ensure they have the best technology supporting their work. Public safety investments are a top priority and I'm happy to have worked aggressively with Representative Boyd to improve public safety in our region."

QVEC is the regional Public Safety Answering Point that provides 911 call receipt and dispatch services to 20 towns in Windham and New London counties.

The funds will improve 9-1-1 and emergency dispatching operations in the region and build upon recent investments in eastern Connecticut's emergency communication system. In July 2021, Rep. Boyd led the initiative with members of the regional delegation to secure $3 million in bonding for the Tolland County Mutual Aid Fire Service to upgrade Emergency 911 Dispatch Systems. Tolland County Mutual Aid and QVEC operate on some shared systems, with QVEC maintaining the main alpha page system.