(Cleveland) – White County Office of Public Safety has announced the 30th anniversary of White County 911 Communications, a cornerstone of our community’s emergency response system.
Since its inception on August 1, 1991, at 6 AM, White County 911 has been a lifeline for residents, providing prompt and efficient emergency services. It marked the moment when residents and visitors of White County gained a centralized system to call for help in emergencies.
The establishment of White County 911 was a monumental task that involved not only the implementation of a new technology but also the creation of an addressing system spanning the entire county.
A company was contracted to develop this addressing system, and a dedicated road name committee, led by Teresa Holtzclaw, was formed to create or approve road names. Community members were encouraged to submit name suggestions based on the roads they lived on, adhering to specific policies and requirements. This groundwork was essential for the 911 system, as 85% of the residents had to verify their new addresses before the system could be activated.
Prior to the formation of the road naming committee, the Board of Commissioners named roads in the 1980s when the Georgia Department of Transportation came to White County to create a county map.
Before the advent of the 911 system, handling emergencies was a cumbersome process. If someone needed law enforcement, they had to call the number of the Police Department or Sheriff’s Office serving their jurisdiction. For medical services, they had to call the ambulance service directly. If fire services were needed, you had to contact the White County Sheriff’s Office. This approach could often lead to delays and confusion during emergencies.
White County 911 began operations with eight dispatchers, two per shift, and a 911 Director, centralizing all emergency calls to a single, easy-to-remember number, thus streamlining the response process and significantly improving emergency services.
Many key personnel were instrumental in the creation of White County 911 Communications. County Manager Mike Palmer and Project Manager Harry Barton oversaw the project, with John Litz serving as the first 911 Director.
The 1994 County Commission, consisting of Chairman Kenneth Vandiver, Post 1 Commissioner Carlton Turner, and Post 2 Commissioner James Morris, played a crucial role in supporting the establishment of the system.
Today, the White County 911 Communications Center is staffed with a team of 18 full-time and 3 part-time dispatchers. In 2023, the center handled a total of 164,017 calls for service, this includes emergency 911 calls, non-emergency calls, and officer-initiated calls. The center monitors 16 channels of radio traffic and ensures seamless communication and coordination among the 11 public service departments throughout White County, including the City of Cleveland and the City of Helen.
The White County 911 Communication service is vital in managing the diverse needs of our community and maintaining the safety and well-being of our residents and visitors.
Reflecting on the 30th anniversary, David Murphy, Director of the White County Office of Public Safety, shared, “The establishment of White County 911 was a milestone for our community. It has undoubtedly saved countless lives and improved the efficiency of emergency response. We are grateful for the vision and dedication of those who made this possible.”
Don Strength, Division Chief of White County 911 Communications, added, “Celebrating 30 years of service is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our team. We continue to strive for excellence in providing emergency services and ensuring the safety of our residents.”
A news release said as we celebrate this milestone, we honor the legacy of those who laid the foundation for White County 911 and look forward to continuing to serve and protect our community with unwavering dedication and commitment for many years to come.
