October 24, 2012

Mankato Public Safety Director Todd Miller addressed the crowd gathered for the ribbon cutting and open house of the newly remodeled Public Safety Center at 710 South Front Street, yesterday. 

Director Todd Miller at the podium.  From left, Mankato City Council Members Mark Frost, Karen Foreman, Charlie Hurd, CIty Manager Pat Hentges, Council Member Jack Consadine, and on the right, Mankato Mayor Eric Anderson.

Unveiling the sculpture

The sculpture, entitled Resurgence

Mankato Mayor Eric Anderson cuts the ribbon. 

Entrance to Public Safety Center at 710 South Front Street

Director Miller (on the far right) with City Manager Pat Hentges, starting the tours.

KTOE's Dan McCargar and family join the tour.

Director MIller starts his tour group up on the top floor where a training center is designed to double as a regional high-tech command center in the event of an emergency situation.

Twin computer screens drop down from the ceiling and allow virtual notes and diagrams to be drawn onto the screen,  while simultaneously appearing on both screens in the command center.

The command center allows high tech communication plus a panoramic view through large windows that overlook the city.

Director MIller chuckled as he invited guests to see the view from the third floor mens' restroom. 

Firefighters' quarters include a large kitchen with three refrigerators, one for each shift, plus a living room area, and bedrooms.

A large common room for firefighters who live at the station, away from their families, while on duty.

Work areas are modern and efficient.

Mankato Director of Public Safety Todd Miller describes the area to guests.

The file room includes mail slots for employees.

A virtual map shows safety personnel locations where calls for service have come in.

Six 60 inch high definition video screens fill the wall of the video room, where 135 cameras at locations around Mankato, can be scanned.  In some cases, Director Miller says, safety personnel can asses a sitation before officers or firefighters can arrive at the scene, allowing them to be better prepared.

Safety personnel can scan 135 cameras located across the city.

 Cameras can be controlled from the video room, allowing safety personnel to zoom in and pan left to right.

Director Miller brought his tour group out to the garage, past the fire pole, which firefighters say they intend to use. 

Copyright © 2012 KTOE Radio Mankato News, Minnesota Valley Broadcasting Co.
All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Send information to the News Room: Email or call 507-387-NEWS