By Roman Gokhman
The Contra Costa Times

PLEASANT HILL, Calif. — Contra Costa Fire District dispatchers will now be able to listen to emergency responder communications, thanks to a recently installed communication system that is now in the testing phase.

"It gives us another set of ears to monitor a tactical situation," district spokeswoman Emily Hopkins said.

The system will serve dual purposes. The fire district will be able to record up to two channels of communication at a time and review how large-scale emergency responses are handled. It can also be used for training.

Additionally, the system will allow fire dispatchers and command staff at the communications center in Pleasant Hill to follow along with what firefighters are doing during an emergency such as a fire or traffic collision.

The system cost roughly $75,000 and was paid for completely with grants from the California Insurance Center and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company.

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