CALHOUN'S 911 CENTER HAS NEW HOME

(11/29/2006)

A dozen workers readied electronic equipment, installed computers and made phone line switches at Calhoun's new 911 Center Former 911 Director Joe Tanner mans alternative 911 center at the Arnoldsburg fire station After more than eight years of planning, discussing and struggling, Calhoun's 911 center is in a new home. (Read earlier Herald stories) The operation was shifted yesterday from the old quarters at the top of Barr Hill at the north end of the Mt. Zion Ridge to the new facility behind Calhoun Middle-High School, adjacent to the school board offices and bus garage. Former 911 Director Joe Tanner manned the phones and operated 911 from the Arnoldsburg fire station for nearly 10 hours yesterday, while the switch was being made. Tanner, several years ago, created a small communication center at the station for just such emergencies. The new center was a beehive of activity throughout the day, hooking up equipment and installing new technology. The center's 180 foot tower was erected several days ago and new radio antennas were installed. Chief dispatcher Burl Postalwaite said "It was a huge amount of work, but it went very smoothly," including the efforts of Frontier Telephone. Electronic panel room connects equipment and antennas (L) while worker programs computer (R) Postalwaite said last night that console and radio tests indicated the system was functioning well. "There are still a number of finishing touches needed inside the structure," he said. The center has a TV camera security system, with access to the building using magnetic key cards.

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