MIDDLESEX TWP — A phone system update supervisors approved in December is paying off, according to reports made Wednesday night during the supervisors meeting.

Among other things, the new voice-over-internet-protocol, or VoIP, system allows township employees to receive calls when they are not near their desk phones by linking to their cell phones.

This capability is particularly helpful for first responders, according to township leaders.

“I am able to route the calls coming into our office,” said Randy Davison, officer-in-charge for Middlesex Township Police Department.

Davison said the department doesn't always have an officer manning the desk because they're so often out on the road.

The technology allows calls to be transferred directly to an officer's cell phone, while still shielding the officer's personal phone number.

“No matter whether we're on the road, an officer will get the call,” Davison said.

Mike Huber, chief of Middlesex Township Volunteer Fire Company, said the department uses a similar dispatch system.

Although the fire department keeps the station manned, calls can go directly to Huber's phone in case of an emergency.

“If somebody does call the station because they can't call 911,” Huber said, “I'll get the phone call.”

Following the midweek collapse of the 911 phone systems in several Western Pennsylvanian counties, Davison and Huber said knowing residents will still be able to reach local emergency entities is important.

The technology also allows township employees to work remotely, if needed.