Ames uses an emergency response system from 2008 that no longer displays addresses on screens at the Ames Fire Stations, and according to members of the fire department, the new system budgeted for fiscal year 2027/28 would improve real-time information updating and potentially response times. According to Ames Fire Chief Rich Higgins, a new system.
The automated voice messaging system meant to alert fire stations to incoming emergency calls is not working properly. A 911 dispatcher is now dedicated to calling stations to make sure fire staff don’t miss emergency calls.