WILSON COUNTY JOINT COMMUNICATIONS CENTER TO BRING AGENCIES TOGETHER IN NEW JAIL EXPANSION
LEBANON (TN)- Dispatch centers from the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson County 9-1-1, Wilson Emergency Management Agency (Ambulance, Fire), and Mt. Juliet Fire services will all be working together upon the completion of the new jail expansion. The Wilson County Joint Communications Center is anticipated to be fully operational during the first quarter of 2023.
Due to the ongoing expansion of the new jail facility, this will allow time for all the pieces of the puzzle to fall into place. Wilson County Sheriff Robert Bryan emphasized the importance of the new center in a meeting with all of the department heads by stating, “There is always room for improvement at any and all levels. We have time on our hands to get the necessary equipment and resources needed for this project. Once completed, this will open up direct communication with other agencies that will enable a more efficient response. I’m looking forward to the greater outcome this will provide to our citizens.”
The co-location will be streamlined operations and service level improvements. “We are trying to align ourselves with the industry standard to provide a more coordinated response,” Wilson County 9-1-1 Director Karen Moore said. “Public Safety analytics has shown various ways to bring faster, better-informed responses. The joint efforts of the Wilson County Sheriff and Wilson County Emergency Management with the City of Mt. Juliet Fire, in conjunction with Wilson County 9-1-1, will no doubt have an immediate impact on the citizens of Wilson County in improved response time throughout all municipalities.”
WEMA Director Joey Cooper talked about the huge impact it will have on communications having a co-location and how the quick response will play a role in saving lives. “I am really beyond words that it may become a reality regarding the new Wilson County Joint Communications Center. This progress will have so many positive effects on the whole county,” stated Director Cooper. “The benefits of having the communications of multiple agencies in one center go far beyond in getting where we need to be as a county. This Joint Communications Center WILL save lives.”
Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto praised the efforts of Sheriff Bryan, Director Cooper, and Director Moore; along with the Emergency Communications District (E-911) Board for their diligence in seeing this project to fruition. “Public Safety has always ranked among the top priorities of our administration, along with education and quality of life. The Wilson County Joint Communications Center will solidify that very fact,” stated Mayor Hutto. “As one of only 4 Tennessee counties who provide 24/7 service in our rural areas, we believe this addition will increase response times and improve communication between our emergency personnel and 911 operators. Wilson County is blessed with a tremendous emergency service personnel force throughout our county and in our three cities. We have always tried to provide and improve our emergency services at all levels.”