Blacksburg, Virginia – Tele-Works, Inc. announced today the successful installation of FirstResponder(TM) in the Town of Blacksburg, VA for field-testing. FirstResponder is a revolutionary homeland security solution for improving communications between government agencies, volunteer organizations and the public regarding emergency events. The installation is funded by a three-way partnership between the Town of Blacksburg, Comprehensive Computer Solutions (CCS, Inc.) and Tele-Works, Inc.

The FirstResponder system takes warning information and automatically translates the information for immediate distribution through multiple communication technologies. Information can be broadcasted to telephones, cell phones, email, email pagers, fax, PDA/handheld computers, TTD/TTY and web sites. Instant messaging and radio/cable broadcasting will be released for production soon. These capabilities make FirstResponder a unique solution perfectly suited to address homeland security response needs and will qualify for funding through homeland security and related communications, infrastructure and community safety grants.

In addition, the system is a modular electronic government platform. Currently in operation in over 200 cities and counties nationwide, the system allows governments to leverage the FirstResponder investment as a 24-Hour full-service eGovernment and electronic payment engine for their communities. For example, while not performing emergency communications, public transit customers of the Town of Blacksburg will be able to call the system from bus stops and determine the location and arrival time of Blacksburg Transit buses.

For more information:
The Town of Blacksburg
www.blacksburg.va.us
Heather Browning, Public Information Officer
540-961-1199 or
hbrowning@blackburg.gov

CCS, Inc.
www.ccs-inc.com
Amy M. Ankrum, Director of Marketing
540.382.4234 x 127 or
aankrum@ccs-inc.com

Tele-Works, Inc.
www.tele-works.com
Chris Schellhammer, Public Relations
540-951-6464 or cschellhammer@tele-works.com