Have a non-emergency? Maybe Ava can help.

Have a non-emergency? Maybe Ava can help.

From OPB Audio by Oregon Public Broadcasting

April 28, 2026 · 5 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the testing of an AI program named Ava for non-emergency calls in the Willamette Valley.

The Willamette Valley Communications Center is testing an AI program (named "Ava") for non-emergency calls for 6 public safety agencies in Marion, Polk and Lincoln Counties. We talk with Brian Carrara with Salem Fire about how it's going.

People in this episode

Guest: Brian Carrara

Topics covered

  • AI in public safety
  • non-emergency calls
  • communication technology
  • public safety agencies
  • Willamette Valley

Keywords

  • AI
  • non-emergency
  • public safety
  • Willamette Valley
  • communication center
  • Marion County
  • Polk County
  • Lincoln County

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Willamette Valley Communications Center, Salem Fire

Products: Ava

Places: Marion County, Polk County, Lincoln County

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