One aspect of Chicago’s more than capable response to the Bulls victory and aftermath deserves tribute. The 911 center once again proved it was worth the investment and time it took to get on-line properly.
The one-stop command center that brings together in one location the dispatch command and control of the police, fire and emergency medical services systems was long overdue. Looking like a NASA mission-control center, and using some of the same technology, this state-of-the-art communications and planning center is the envy of cities around the globe.
The reporters and commentators who dubbed it the “Chicago Taj Mahal” when it was built never understood its purpose and complexity. Now we can be assured that all of our emergency services are well coordinated from a single place with more oversight than we’ve ever enjoyed.
