911…..What is your Emergency?

911…..What is your Emergency?

LOUISA, Ky. — The Lawrence County 911 system has finally been upgraded into the 21st century.

The last couple years, Judge-Executive Phil Carter, has received grants of almost $300,000 to purchase new equipment that was badly needed according to Vince Doty, Deputy Judge. Doty said today that the hardest part of the grant was paying for the equipment upfront then the Lawrence County Fiscal Court gets reimbursed at a later date.

911 Director Tim Ellis has been with the 911 office 15 years. Mr. Ellis said the original equipment was purchased in 2000 and explained that the old system was getting obsolete because he could not purchase parts for the equipment.

911 has received a new cad computer which helps with dispatching, in 2019. Also they received a radio console system in 2020 and an AT&T Viper phone system that uses a state network in 2021.

This new equipment helps 911 employees to streamline a call to responders. Mr. Ellis stated that the new cad system has already come out with 2 new versions and that it may be 5-7 years before 911 has to be updated again.

There are 7 employees at the 911 office with a total of approximately 100 years of experience between them, Ellis said. The 911 employees receive service training in Richmond Kentucky, the first year they are hired and every other year so they can keep their certification.

Jill Jackson has been a 911 employee for 20 years and was manning the 911 calls during my visit.

So the next time you have an emergency, be thankful we have an educated and trained group of men and women that are at your service.

911 What is your emergency?