Russ Bassett Welcomes NENA 2025—Right in Our Southern California Backyard 🌴

Prince William’s existing consoles, expected to function fully to end-of-life, are fraught with mechanical failures. Since the console provider discontinued the product line during the would-be functional lifetime of the consoles, Prince William is left without parts and support.
Prince William county selects a vendor whose products are proven to stand up to the rigors of 24/7 use in the public safety space. Equally important is this vendor’s proven commitment to their customers.
Prince William’s 15+ year old consoles are not fully functional. Mechanical components are failing regularly. Since the manufacturer has discontinued the product line, it is difficult to find the parts required to keep the consoles functioning properly. Eddie Reyes, Director of Public Safety Communications, takes on the capital improvements project visioned under the previous director.
In cooperation with the Operators and IT team, Reyes evaluates their current vendor’s new product and multiple alternate vendors. The team is looking for consoles that deliver in three specific areas:
Since Prince William endured late stage struggles of aging dispatch consoles, it is critical to find ultra- durable consoles AND a team committed to supporting Prince William for the long haul. “The all-steel construction of Russ Bassett’s consoles is modern looking and we know it will stand up to dispatching for many years.” In addition to the superior build of the consoles, Russ Bassett demonstrates their commitment to long-term customer care.
Worth noting is the project is in full swing during unusual circumstances, COVID-19, which impacts all parties involved. Reyes shares, “The company president called with a personal commitment to deliver the furniture on time.” The personal assurance during that time impressed Reyes and the Prince William team. As promised, the furniture was delivered on-time and installation was smooth.
According to Reyes, “Without proper personal storage, it is hard to keep a dispatching space tidy.” The new consoles provide each operator concealed space for their personal belongings. In addition, adequate technology storage means no overflow equipment on the work surface.
When there is a place for everything, it is easier to stay organized and focused on the mission critical work. In general, the “feel” of the center is improved with the addition of appropriate agency and personal storage.
“We can service the workstation while the employee is working which saves the team time and reduces disruption during the workday.”
Blue Earth was seeking a more efficient, quieter, user-controlled heating and cooling solution. Dispatchers appreciated having cool air, but the old console fans were too noisy to use regularly. The dispatchers also needed localized heating in the cold winter months. However, the old consoles had ineffective radiant heating panels.
The Russ Bassett integrated Comfort Control System gives Blue Earth operators localized forced air heating and cooling from energy-efficient, ultra-quiet appliances. The desktop fans and under-surface heaters power on with a single touch. Both cooling fans can be placed anywhere on the desktop and directional air flow adjustment allows dispatchers to focus cool air where they need it. Both under-surface heaters tilt up or down to focus warm air where it is most beneficial. Both the fans and heaters move with the dispatcher when they change position from sitting to standing. As an additional safety measure, the system has an occupancy sensor that turns off the appliances when no movement is detected at the console; the appliances re-engage when the operator returns.
While renovating the existing space, Russ Bassett helps Prince William reconfigure the floorplan to accommodate more positions. In addition, each workstation is larger. The well-thought space prepares Prince William for future growth:
“The support I got from the highest level, attention to detail, and the follow through demonstrated Russ Bassett’s commitment to our project and agency. The furniture is highly functional and the center looks modern and professional.”