Columbus, OH – Residents across Franklin County may notice faster and more reliable emergency response after officials confirmed the county’s new 9-1-1 Call Center is now fully operational this week.
According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, emergency calls are now permanently routed from the former downtown radio room to the newly completed Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center. The transition followed several days of system testing and staff training before the final switch was completed.
Officials say the $6.5 million facility represents a major upgrade to the county’s emergency response infrastructure, allowing dispatchers to handle calls more efficiently while improving system redundancy and reliability. The project was funded through an investment approved by the Franklin County Board of Commissioners.
The new center supports modern communications technology designed to reduce call-processing times and improve coordination between law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services throughout the county. Sheriff’s officials emphasized that the upgrade is expected to directly impact public safety by ensuring help reaches residents faster during emergencies.
The project took several years to complete and required coordination among planners, construction crews, technology specialists, and emergency personnel. Staff also underwent training to adapt to the updated systems before the center officially went live.
Franklin County, which includes Columbus and surrounding communities across central Ohio, handles thousands of emergency calls each year. Officials say the new facility positions the county to better meet current demand while preparing for future population growth.
Residents are reminded that 9-1-1 should only be used for emergencies, while non-emergency situations should continue to be directed to local police department non-emergency numbers.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
