Installers complete antenna installation on 911s 180 foot tower at Mt. Zion
A truck load of equipment is being installed in the new center
After several years of struggling to select a site, build and equip a new 911 center, the transition to a new center on the Calhoun Middle-High School campus is scheduled to take place Tuesday, November 28.
Lots of people have donated hundreds of hours to make it happen. More recently, funds from a cell phone tax has been given to every county in the state to upgrade 911 services.
The new 180 foot free-standing tower with antennas has been erected and a truck-load of electronics, consoles, computers and radio equipment are now being installed.
"Hopefully there will be no problems during change-over day," said Chief Dispatcher Burl Postalwaite, with 911 calls being answered at the Arnoldsburg Volunteer Fire Department.
Alternate numbers to reach emergency services are in the front of the phone book. The 911 business number is 354-9271 and Calhoun's EMS ambulance is 354-7006.
Postalwaite said radio communications are expected to improve from the new location, although the county is looking at adding additional repeaters in sections of the county where service is weak.
Chief Dispatcher Burl Postalwaite discusses new equipment with installer
The County Commission is planning on hiring a new 911 Director, likely in January. The full-time position will include responsibility for seeing that the county's E-911 addressing and mapping is completed. The job will be advertised in December.
The opening was created with the resignation of 911 Director Dave Johnson, who has spent hundreds of hours in the volunteer position moving the project along.
"The new center will have some of the latest equipment, and will be a big improvement," Postalwiate said.
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