Los Angeles CA
8-10-2025 1:11pm

Does LAFD 9-1-1 Call Center Lack Backup

A generous donation for Station 88 by SFV Audubon Society thru the LAFD Foundation, brought attention to the Foundations efforts to fund a backup for the 9-1-1 Call Center.
  • Budget cutbacks to LAFD does not include a dispatch center backup
  • 50% of the LAFD engines were at a designated garage waiting for repair and while this was highlighted in December, the repercussions were felt during the Palisades fire.
  • Is it in the best interest of Los Angeles residents to fund the solution outside of the City budget.  
  • According to the LAFD Foundation (a foundation supporting the LAFD. It is NOT a government entity) website the Backup Dispatch Center would cost $25,000,000.

Get a closer look at the LAFD's broad scope of needs

Backup Dispatch Center

Total Cost: $25,000,000

The Challenge: Within the City of Los Angeles, the LAFD answers all 9-1-1 calls related to any health or fire emergency. The 9-1-1 call center is staffed by LAFD firefighters/paramedics and is located in Downtown Los Angeles. There is currently no working backup for the 9-1-1 call center. If this center were rendered inoperable for any reason, the LAFD would not be able to answer any emergency calls for the City.

The Solution: The immediate need is to locate a building to retrofit and equip a backup call center as soon as possible, in preparation for the major events that are coming to the Los Angeles region over the next three years and for future emergencies that could impact LAFD dispatch.

Mayor Bass’ budget includes a strategic plan to close a nearly $1 billion gap and the following investments related to the L.A. Fire Department and according to Mayor Bass' proposed 2025-2026 budget items related to the call center include: 25-26 Proposed Budget

  • Los Angeles Fire Department – Voice Radio System Upgrade Funding to update and maintain communications hardware and radio systems. $1,000,000 Page 910 2025-26BlueBookVol2.pdf
  • LAFD budget increased with 227 new positions, funding for more paramedics, more fast response vehicles and other resources and support.
  • No sworn officers or firefighters will be impacted – following direct efforts to retain officers to LAPD, about 20%, or 120, more officers are staying on the force this year compared with last year.

Elsewhere, Metropolitan Fire Communications, more commonly referred to as "MFC" or "Metro," 

  • Responsible for processing 911 and non-emergency fire department calls, and subsequently dispatching LAFD resources.  
  • Works in concert with numerous allied agencies including: 
    • Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)
    • Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACOFD)
    • Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), and others, to ensure a coordinated response to emergency incidents throughout the region.
    • 78 dispatchers assigned to Metro Fire Communications are either Firefighter/EMTs or Firefighter/Paramedics and have all served previously in the field. 
    • An Assistant Chief commands the entire operation while working a weekday shift schedule.

Metropolitan Fire Communications | City of Los Angeles | Open Budget Expense Budget - NO money is budgeted! 

And there is no mention of the 911 - Call Center or back up protocol. However, a 911 System Tax Fund is designated for managing calls for street medicine needs and fire protection for those living on the street.

 Special Police Communications/911 System Tax Fund | City of Los Angeles | Open Budget Expense Budget

 The dispatch center was a point of controversy in 2012 based on staffing and not the stability of the system. L.A. seeks controversial overhaul at LAFD's troubled 911 call center - Los Angeles Times  "Los Angeles officials are pressing for a major cost-cutting change at the Fire Department’s troubled 911 call handling center despite a top commander’s warning that making the move is too risky and would jeopardize public safety.


The plan, backed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, the City Council and Fire Chief Brian Cummings, would switch dispatchers from 24-hour shifts to traditional eight-hour workdays, saving an estimated $3.2 million in overtime costs each year."

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