Emergency 911

McDuffie County's Communications Department was created in October of 1993. The department began full operations on April 1, 1994, with the first official 9-1-1 call made from Mayor Knox of the City of Thomson to Mrs. Joyce Blevins, Chairman of the McDuffie County Commission, at 9:11 a.m.

Since then, great strides have been made to bring the public safety communications needs in line with today's rapidly changing technology. One problem facing most public safety agencies is that new equipment becomes outdated quickly. Unlike commercial businesses that make a profit, local government cannot afford to replace new equipment continually just to keep up with the times.

Careful consideration must be given to purchase equipment that will last for many years and can be upgraded at minimal cost. Along with some of the most modern equipment available, the McDuffie County Communications Department has added services that are readily available, but often overlooked.

We can communicate with persons who are speech and hearing impaired.

Through AT&T's “Language Line,” we can provide emergency interpreter service, for over 140 languages within just seconds.

During severe weather, we can communicate directly with HAM operators trained by the National Weather Service as Weather Spotters.

Our state-of-the-art consoles can directly link a person on the phone with a public safety official on the radio.

On March 8, 1996, we added a DTN weather satellite receiver providing the ability to track severe weather through updated information around the clock. In the past, weather warnings arrived as (or after) severe weather came through the area. This system allows communications officers to monitor approaching severe weather, take the necessary precautions and make advance notifications to emergency personnel.

So why not just watch the "Weather Channel"?

One of the first utilities to go in severe weather is cable television. We also must ensure the information is there when needed without waiting for the next scheduled local forecast and radar map. This system alerts us to warnings for other nearby counties, which helps to track threatening weather. Aside from equipment, the personnel employed as communications officers must also be top notch.

These employees are provided with a training program that exceeds standards recently mandated by the State of Georgia. A part of that training program utilizes manuals, tapes and videos from Professional Pride. When the life and safety of the citizens and public safety officials depend on both the actions and re-actions of communications officers, it is vital that we provide the best training possible.

In December 1996, we moved into a new facility at the Law Enforcement Center constructed just a few miles from our old location. This building provides a more secure work environment for our personnel. A larger generator provides longer, more efficient emergency power to insure continued operation during power outages and/or disasters. We hope you find this section of our website helpful and informative. Please let us know your ideas, comments or suggestions.