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Laura, Knox County 911 supervisor and director, reports staffing shortfall and technology upgrades after rescues aided by 'what3words' app
Summary
Knox County 911 supervisor and director Laura told commissioners on March 12 that February saw 1,455 911 calls and 4,952 non-emergency calls, that the center plans to add two dispatch stations and upgrade radio/CAD systems, and that the center is recruiting to fill four dispatch vacancies with six–eight months of training required.
Laura, the Knox County 911 supervisor and director, told the Board of Commissioners on March 12 that February call volumes included 1,455 911 calls and 4,952 non-emergency calls. "Calls are a little lower, but February is also a shorter month," she said, noting peak days and times vary.
She described planned upgrades to the dispatch center to add two new stations and support for training: the county is working with vendor Zybex to add the stations, with Vasu handling radio components and Central Square supporting the CAD and phone system. Laura said the additional desks will allow a trainer and trainee to sit together while learning, shortening the on-desk learning curve.
Laura recounted two recent rescues that illustrated the value of updated location tools. Describing a wooded-area stroke rescue, she said the center used an app called "what3words" to provide rescuers a precise location, and responders "took them right there." She said the same approach helped locate stranded boaters on Knox Lake.
On staffing, Laura said the center is actively interviewing and has four open dispatch positions. "Six to eight months" is the typical on-the-job training timeline, she said, and the center will hire both experienced dispatchers and trainees with strong customer-service backgrounds. She directed interested applicants to apply online through the county's website.
Commissioners did not debate the presentation; Laura ended by noting outreach events she attended, including a recent presentation at the Fredericktown Senior Center and a planned appearance at the Exchange Club.
The board did not take formal action on staffing at the meeting; Laura's update will inform future personnel and budget discussions.
