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BACKGROUND The LPFD coordinates and controls daily operations from various facility locations in both Livermore and Pleasanton. The Fire Administration Headquarters and the Fire Training /Classroom are both located in Pleasanton. In addition there are five (5) fire stations in each of the two cities. Fire staff identified the critical need for significant improvements to its existing method of department communications. The department would operate more efficiently and cost effectively by moving to a system that provides the ability for face -to -face exchange of real -time information and training delivery to /from any of its locations throughout the organization. There are crews of 3 to 4 fire suppression staff assigned to each of the 10- stations on each of the 3- shifts. In addition to emergency radio communication, the exchange of both routine and critical information is currently delivered as follows: • Telephone call to each individual station • Telephone conference call — Pleasanton and Livermore stations • Face -to -face station visits by the shift battalion chief • Face -to -face at the training center — Alternating crews traveling to /from stations at a specified time Department training that is not available through on -line instruction also requires that the crews travel to /from the Training Center. Implementation of a state -of- the -art multi -user multi -site video - communications system will significantly improve the delivery and distribution of critical, routine, and secure organizational communications. It also provides an opportunity to expand the arena of fire, rescue, medical, and hazardous materials training options. DISCUSSION The video communications system will enhance the department's ability to exchange information remotely, and as such provides several tangible benefits for the organization and the cities' it serves, such as: • Bridge geographically dispersed stations, personnel, special teams and groups in concurrent video sessions for improved communications and accountability. • Improved situational awareness - chief officers, managers, experts, and key operational and medical personnel can be present anytime, anywhere, and on- demand for consultations, assessments, directions, and other critical decision - making needs. • Enhanced productivity and communications — less time in transit and out of district and responsible areas; which provides more time for training, making informed decisions, policy dispersals, and project/team /departmental collaborations. Page 2 of 4