GAINESVILLE - After more than 20 years in the basement of the Joint Administrative Building in downtown Gainesville, Hall County's 911 operators are settling into a new complex on the outskirts of town.
The operation is now run out of the new county fire department headquarters complex on Crescent Drive near New Holland, according to the county's interim fire chief, David Kimbrell.
Kimbrell says the facility was designed to grow as the demands on the 911 Center grow.
"This building was designed for a 10-year build-out. So, we should be able to grow for the next 10 years before we actually run into space problems."
Chief Kimbrell also says the location is not the only thing that's new. He says the center has new equipment including software that enables operators to pinpoint even closer where a call is coming from.
"Now, it's integrated with a Geographic Information Map that actually shows an aerial view on a map."
Kimbrell says one thing the operators have that they've never had are windows, although the new facility, like the old one, is designed to continue functioning in case of a major catastrophe.
A dedication and open house had been planned for Thursday but that has been postponed indefinitely.
Kimbrell says the center was constructed to accommodate tour groups, such as school children and senior citizens, along a hallway behind a glass that looks into the operations center. He said tours are now available.
Chief Kimbrell commented for Sunday's Northeast Georgia This Week on WDUN NEWS TALK 550. The program will be broadcast at 8:05 a.m.
Sunday
May 19th, 2024
3:54AM
