WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) – Thursday, Governor Mike DeWine visited the Trumbull County Dispatch Center to discuss a new modernized 911 network.

DeWine requested a total of $45.9 million for the next-generation technology. He has proposed a plan — Next Generation 911 — to elevate emergency services for every community in the state of Ohio.

Next Gen 911 will include infrastructure that allows people to send voice, photos, videos and text messages to the new network.

“Next Gen 911 will improve response times and save lives by addressing issues with the current analog 911 system,” DeWine said.

DeWine explained that the current system is outdated, not always accurate in finding a person’s specific location, or doesn’t connect that person with his or her local dispatch center.

Next Gen 911 is more efficient and timely, he said.

“Mobile carriers will transmit information and location to the 911 center extremely accurate,” he said. “If you are out hiking, for example, you fall down, you pick that up. You could be clear out into the woods; this is going to give you a very clear, accurate location.”

DeWine proposed to fully fund the build-out and infrastructure of the new technology through a state grant.

“The efficiencies of Next Gen 911 will accurately locate those who will no longer be able to interact with responding agencies due to their life-threatening injuries or situations,” Howland Fire Chief James Pantalone said.

Through the text and video message option, Next Generation 911 makes it easier for people in danger to get help by being discrete.

“The faster that you can get help to that person that’s in an accident or maybe that is having a heart attack, the more likely it is that they will survive,” DeWine said.

Four counties are currently in a trial phase of Next Generation 911.