During emergencies is when Station 4 personnel really shine. The 5-person dispatch crew really excelled during several big incidents in the past year, the Pendleton dust storm, the Jackson fire near Ontario, and a hazardous material spill near The Dalles. Because Station 4 is a information resource center they can depend on us for information. CAD assists dispatchers when sending crews to an incident, helps in monitoring activities at a particular event, and keeps a record of all incidents and any radio traffic directed to Station 4. All calls about an incident, whether from the public or an ODOT crew, are entered into the CAD as a way of tracking the event.
Information is entered by crew number, is time stamped, and becomes part of a large database.
Besides the CAD dispatchers monitor two phones and a base radio for each region. They have reference material on chain up laws and information on transporting mobile homes. Flip charts are available with area maps and telephone numbers for all maintenance crews. Using a special software program dispatchers can put messages on portable and permanent variable message signs as well as activate mobile home signs. ODOT dispatchers can also monitor information sent by Oregon State Police dispatchers.