Dorchester Co. 911 dispatchers see boosted morale, public safety with new center [Video]

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) – The newest Dorchester County Emergency Management Center is fulfilling goals for community safety.

County dispatch responders moved into the new EMS and dispatch facility just over six months ago. Officials pushed for the move to improve the response times of first responders for Tri-County callers.

The center is raising the bar for public safety with both more space and the ability to withstand hurricane-force winds and seismic activity. Officials have access to sleeping bunks and a kitchen space for overnight stays in case of emergency.

A major goal for the extra space is boosting morale for 911 dispatchers. Leaders are using this space to prepare to accommodate the county’s future growth; the center can hold up to 16 workspaces. The old center had space for only seven dispatchers with no room to grow and limited resources.

Deputy County Administrator for Public Safety Mario Formisano says the …