From a 'web guy' point of view Twitter is nothing new. The technology, idea, etc isn't even new. Someone just tossed a new word at "updating a website" from a central spot that allows users to have their own accounts... L O L.

The fire departments could technically do this on their own site just as easily with a custom program, etc.

I guess the point is it's "COOL" now but in the years or even months to come does that mean the fire department, police, rc, etc are gonna jump ship and follow the trends?

An interesting approach at something that could have and should have been done already. Publish on your own site, provide XML feed, bam no need to use twitter or a 3rd party.