County officials flag dispatch vulnerability and report staffing levels for sheriff’s office and EMS

At the Gibson County Council meeting, a department representative warned that a global fiber‑optic cable cut may affect local dispatch services and advised officials to contact James Griswold for updates. The speaker said the county maintains a high‑band backup but cautioned that service could be disrupted when outside carriers splice damaged lines.

The same presenter reviewed public‑safety staffing: the sheriff’s office has 20 deputy positions budgeted and scheduled testing on the 27th; there were eight applicants for one position (seven male, one female), and several candidates were moving to psychological evaluations and background checks. Corrections staffing was reported as 17 of 21 positions filled. The detention center averaged 109 inmates in January and the work‑release program averaged 28.

An EMS representative reported 437 runs last month, including 354 emergencies and 83 hospital transfers. The EMS unit billed $358,000 and collected $62,000 so far. That office said it is fully staffed at present, has hired part‑time workers to reduce overtime, and will offer a countywide audit‑review training course on the 19th to provide continuing CCU hours for first responders. Staff also noted one new vehicle entered service and another is expected in June or July.

Councilmembers asked procedural and staffing questions but did not take immediate action beyond acknowledging the reports.