MIDLAND, TX – The Midland Fire Department is hoping to get an upgrade to its Opticom systems.
The system operates a series of transmitters and receivers that signal traffic lights when an emergency vehicle is approaching so that lights can quickly and safely provide them the right of way.
The fire department currently has an Opticom system, but officials tell us it is over 20 years old and outdated technology.
The new upgrade would install transmitters on every emergency response vehicle from ambulances to fire engines, as well as receivers at 85 heavy traffic intersections across the city.
Officials, like Assistant Chief Brian McGary, say in a service where time is everything, giving yourself every advantage is important.
“Time is of the essence, it can be the difference of having a small room-and-contents-fire or having a full blown structure fire that gets into the attic,” says McGary.
The upgrade of the Opticom system is not yet a done deal.
READ MORE from KWES reporter Dana Morris:
Upgraded system could improve emergency response times in Midland
