911 director warns LEPC of faulty iPhone program

She told members to be aware of the program before participating in high-impact activities and possibly turn it off temporarily in these instances.

“It’s apparently the bane of every 911 center,” she said. “We haven’t really seen it yet,…but it’s increasing 911 calls in other areas.”

Outlets like Business Insider have reported the crash detection program saving lives, but accidental 911 calls can divert resources from emergencies, so Denholm advised the committee to be aware of the program’s potential pitfalls.

The program is also on the Series 8 and Ultra Apple Watches.

In other business:

— Lake County Commissioner Deb Reinicke expressed concerns about the Chester Fire Department not having a representative attend the LEPC meetings. Kody K-eefer, the county’s emergency manager, said he would reach out to the department to see if someone would be available for future meetings.

— Keefer discussed the Homeland Security Grant program, which provides money to states, tribes, cities and counties to help them respond to acts of terror and other threats. Robbi Boettcher of the Ramona Fire Department recommended pursuing state digital radios for fire trucks and stations.

— Keefer reported that the State of South Dakota will stop funding free mental health resources for first responders unless the Legislature decides to extend the program during its 2023 session.

— The amount paid to families of public safety officers killed in the line of duty will increase from $375,000 over 30 years to $400,000, Keefer reported.

— Keefer discussed the South Dakota Pipeline Association’s Annual Responder Training, which teaches first responders up-to-date safety practices for pipelines. It will take place at the Brookings Swiftel Center on Feb. 21 at 11:30 a.m. The association will also host trainings in other cities, including Watertown, Mitchell and Sioux Falls, on different dates.