NY Sheriffs, Firefighters Seek Better Funding For 911

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A group of sheriffs, firefighters, county officials and emergency personnel from around New York say the state must invest more money into its aging 911 emergency system.

The group says funding isn't keeping up with the higher costs of operating 911, putting the public at risk.

More and more 911 calls now come in on mobile phones. Existing 911 systems can have a hard time tracing mobile phones, however. New federal rules will require local 911 systems to upgrade to better technology, but the changes come with a big cost — more than $2 billion over the next decade.

The new organization, called Rescuing 911, plans to discuss a new campaign Tuesday to encourage state officials to help local communities find the money they need.

[STORY BY: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]