Citizens don’t feel represented in 911 committee
The police chief in Boonville is speaking out about why he feels his city is not being represented when it comes to 911 operations.
On Thursday ABC 17 News reported Cooper County is making strides to improve its 911 operations.
The first step was appointed an advisory board.
Friday, however, the police chief expressed his concerns with that committee.
He said that there is not someone on the committee from Boonville that deals with 911 operations day in and day out.
When he spoke to ABC 17 News Friday he said he wanted to make it clear everything he said was not as the police chief, but rather a concerned citizen of Boonville.
“I must admit I was surprised. I volunteered to serve and I would think I have 30 years law enforcement experience working right here in Boonville and Cooper County,” said Boonville Police Chief, Bobby Welliver.
It is experience Welliver said he feels would be beneficial to the committee reviewing Cooper County’s 911 operations.
Welliver works with 911 dispatch every single day.
“They are very crucial to our operation,” said Welliver.
However, no public safety official in Boonville was appointed to the committee, even when they volunteered to be on it.
ABC 17 News asked Welliver why he thought he was not appointed?
“I don’t know. I can tell you I volunteered to be on the committee at the first meeting and I know they had many volunteers and maybe they couldn’t choose,” said Welliver.
But even Welliver approached the presiding commissioner earlier this week about his concern and he realized it did not seem to be just an oversight.
“I don’t believe they have any intentions on making any changes at this time,” said Welliver.
ABC 17 News called the presiding commissioner to ask if changes could be coming and how the eight people were chosen.
As of Friday evening we are still waiting for a call back.
Welliver said he doesn’t care who from Boonville is appointed but someone who has day to day knowledge of 911 operations is needed.
He said if any citizens feel as he does to contact the commissioners.
