The Fire Communication Center (FCC) is the vital link between the public and the fire suppression force.  Through a modern system of telephone and radio communications, FCC operators receive fire and emergency calls through the Enhanced 911 system (E911) and immediately dispatch appropriate companies to the incident.  Once a dispatch has been made, responsibility for the incident shifts to the Incident Commander (IC) in the field; however, the operators remain in radio contact with the IC and provide support services until units are back in quarters.	Old communication console
New dispatch workstation	In March 1999, the FCC began a total transformation.  Infrastructure upgrades included electrical, air conditioning, flooring, painting, lighting, and partitioning work.  The dispatch consoles were then replaced with modular workstations to accept the new 800 MHz dispatch equipment, computer-aided dispatch system, and personal computer-based E911 equipment.  A new computer-driven audio recording system was also installed to record telephone and radio communications.
Assistance in the field is often required from other agencies, such as the Department of Emergency Management, Honolulu Emergency Services Department, Honolulu Police Department, Honolulu Harbor Control Center, Honolulu International Airport, U.S. Coast Guard, Crisis Center, Hawaiian Electric Company, and Hawaii Poison Center.  The FCC has direct phone and radio communication to these agencies.
The FCC is headed by a Battalion Chief, who works a 40-hour work week schedule.  The FCC operators are divided into four shifts and work a rotating 24-hour work schedule with three days off.  Each shift consists of a Fire Captain, a Fire Fighter III, and three Fire Fighter IIs.  The FCC operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and handles approximately 40,100 alarms a year.	New workstation