Dispatch Tickets

Governor Shapiro returned to his hometown of Montgomery County for a tour of the 911 dispatch center earlier this week. The governor was interested in seeing how calls were processed and services were dispatched in real-time. During his visit, Shapiro emphasized the importance of proper budgeting and allocating more resources towards bolstering emergency dispatch centers in the upcoming budget.

It was noted that state contributions to 911 dispatch centers have not increased since 2015, and with the increasing pressure and demands placed on these centers, investing in more resources and personnel is critical. Montgomery County’s public safety agency, for example, is currently short 28 vacant dispatch positions.

Shapiro's visit to the 911 dispatch center highlighted the need for more investment in technological infrastructure, personnel training, and support systems to ensure efficient and effective emergency responses. As such, he plans to focus on funding towards these areas in the upcoming budget, to better serve the people of Montgomery County and across the commonwealth.

Overall, Shapiro's visit to the 911 dispatch center was an important step towards understanding the demands and challenges faced by public safety agencies. With more financial support and personnel investments, emergency dispatch centers can better provide the crucial services needed to keep communities safe.

Dispatch History

Dispatch is an American indie/roots rock band that was formed in the mid-1990s by three college friends - Brad Corrigan, Pete Francis, and Chad Urmston - who met at Middlebury College in Vermont. The band gained their fame and fan base through their live performances and DIY approach to music, touring relentlessly and building a loyal following. They are often cited as pioneers of the independent music movement that emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Dispatch's early days as a band were marked by their jam band style, combining elements of rock, reggae, and folk. They were known for their energetic live shows and tight musical interplay, often incorporating improvisation and extended jams into their performances. The band quickly built a reputation for their live shows, playing in small venues and college campuses across the Northeast.

In 1998, Dispatch self-released their debut album, Silent Steeples, which quickly sold out of its initial pressing. The album was critically acclaimed and helped the band to gain a larger following. Their follow-up album, Bang Bang, released in 2000, was similarly successful and featured some of their most well-known songs, including "The General" and "Flying Horses."

The band's success continued to grow, and in 2004, they played what was at the time the largest independent music concert in history, drawing over 110,000 fans to their show at the Hatch Shell in Boston. The concert was dubbed "The Last Dispatch" and was intended to be the band's farewell performance, as they had announced they were going on hiatus. However, the concert only fueled demand for the band, and they continued to play sporadic shows over the next few years.

In 2011, Dispatch announced they were reuniting for a tour, which quickly sold out. The band also released a new album, Circles Around the Sun, their first full-length album in over a decade. The album showcased the band's continued growth and evolution, with a more polished sound and a wider range of musical influences.

Dispatch has continued to tour and release music in the years since, with their most recent album, America, Location 12, released in 2017. The band has maintained their commitment to independent music, often eschewing major record labels and instead releasing music through their own label, Bomber Records.

Dispatch's reputation as a live band remains strong, with their concerts often selling out quickly and drawing fans from across the country. The band's DIY ethos and grassroots approach to music has inspired a new generation of independent artists, and their legacy as pioneers of the independent music movement is secure.

For fans looking to catch Dispatch in concert, tickets can be purchased through their website or through third-party ticketing sites like Ticketmaster. The band's live shows are known for their energy and interplay, as well as their commitment to social and environmental causes. Dispatch often partners with non-profit organizations and encourages fans to get involved in their communities. For those who are unable to see the band live, their music and live shows are often available through streaming services and live concert recordings.