Jefferson County Emergency Communications Center

10/12/2026

🐾🏆 VOTING SEASON IS HERE! 🏆🐾

We know… there has been A LOT of voting lately! 😂 But here we go again—and we’re asking our amazing Thin Line family to rally with us once again! ❤️💙

Thin Line Service Dogs has been nominated for BEST CHARITY / NON-PROFIT in the Best of West Virginia! 🎉

To everyone who has supported us, shared our posts, voted, donated, volunteered, cheered on our dogs, or simply believed in our mission—THANK YOU! None of this happens without you.

Now we need your help again! 👇
🗳️ VOTE DAILY THROUGH OCTOBER 12TH!
🗳️ VOTE FOR THIN LINE SERVICE DOGS HERE!⁠
https://newsouthmedia.secondstreetapp.com/og/ba0bdbd3-e865-4449-a109-fdd77538d05c/gallery/550990988

One vote. One share. One more step toward bringing home the win! 🏆

Let’s show them what the TLSD family can do!!!

09/29/2026

At the EmComm program meet-and-greet, parents and students got hands-on experience with our new Text-to-911 system. Attendees tested the full range of its capabilities, including sending requests for help in both French and Spanish.

We’re proud to offer tools like Text-to-911 that give residents and visitors every possible way to reach help when they need it, keeping our community safe.

Jefferson County Emergency Communications Center Announces New Text to 911 Service

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Edwina Benites-LM, County Administrator
Phone: (304) 728-3284
Email: [email protected]

CHARLES TOWN, WV (September 17, 2026) – Jefferson County now offers Text to 911, giving another way to reach a 911 dispatcher.

In the same way a 911 call connects you with a dispatcher, Text to 911 connects you directly with a 911 dispatcher through text messaging. To start a Text to 911 conversation, open a new text message and send it to 911.

A dispatcher will respond and ask for your location, the nature of the emergency, and any other information needed to send the appropriate help.

The Jefferson County Emergency Communications Center recently launched the service to expand its emergency communication capabilities, particularly for individuals who are unable to speak, have difficulty communicating by voice, or are in a situation where speaking could put them at risk.

Text to 911 also includes multi-language text translation, allowing individuals who do not speak English to communicate with 911 dispatchers.

Text to 911 increases the level of service Jefferson County can provide and helps ensure that emergency assistance is on the way even when a voice call is difficult or not possible.

09/29/2026

The Jefferson County Emergency Communications Center recently welcomed EmComm students and their families for a Meet and Greet to kick off the second year of the EmComm Program.

Students had the opportunity to meet their instructors, tour the Jefferson County 911 Center, and learn what they can expect as they get a firsthand look into the career of a 911 dispatcher.

Throughout the school year, students will meet first responders and local government professionals who will share their experiences, responsibilities, and the important role they play in serving the citizens of Jefferson County.

We are excited to begin another year of learning, exploration, and hands-on experiences!

Thank you to our nine students for making the commitment to learn about 911 and the important impact emergency communications professionals have on our community.

Welcome to Year Two of EmComm! 🚨 📞

09/17/2026

We are here to answer your 911 calls and TEXT!

Jefferson County Emergency Communications Center Announces New Text to 911 Service

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Edwina Benites-LM, County Administrator
Phone: (304) 728-3284
Email: [email protected]

CHARLES TOWN, WV (September 17, 2026) – Jefferson County now offers Text to 911, giving another way to reach a 911 dispatcher.

In the same way a 911 call connects you with a dispatcher, Text to 911 connects you directly with a 911 dispatcher through text messaging. To start a Text to 911 conversation, open a new text message and send it to 911.

A dispatcher will respond and ask for your location, the nature of the emergency, and any other information needed to send the appropriate help.

The Jefferson County Emergency Communications Center recently launched the service to expand its emergency communication capabilities, particularly for individuals who are unable to speak, have difficulty communicating by voice, or are in a situation where speaking could put them at risk.

Text to 911 also includes multi-language text translation, allowing individuals who do not speak English to communicate with 911 dispatchers.

Text to 911 increases the level of service Jefferson County can provide and helps ensure that emergency assistance is on the way even when a voice call is difficult or not possible.

08/04/2026

Come see us at national night out!

07/17/2026

Due to ongoing wildfires in Canada, widespread smoke is expected across Jefferson County. This smoke is affecting air quality across multiple states and is part of a larger regional event impacting much of the eastern United States.

While the conditions can be concerning, this is not a 911 emergency.

Please do not call 911 to report smoke or haze unless you see an active fire or someone is in immediate danger. Reporting wildfire smoke can overwhelm emergency dispatchers and delay emergency response.

If you are sensitive to smoke, consider limiting outdoor activities, keeping windows closed, and properly fitted N95 and P100 mask if you must be outside.

Thank you and stay safe.

05/19/2026

Last month, JEFFERSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES AGENCY put INSIDE to the test during a full-scale school active assailant exercise and it showed exactly why indoor intelligence matters.

Dispatchers worked simulated phone and radio traffic in real time, processed incidents in their CAD, and used INSIDE to support fast, informed decision-making throughout the scenario.

One of the most inspiring takeaways: Jefferson County is already building the next generation of 9-1-1 professionals. Through a new co-op with the school system, 12th graders are fast-tracked into 9-1-1 careers, and during this exercise, those students helped handle live/simulated calls as part of their work-study training.

👉 Learn how INSIDE equips dispatchers and first responders with the indoor intelligence they need: https://datamarkgis.com/inside-indoor-mapping/

05/15/2026

Tonight at 6pm at our Jefferson County Commission building on N Lawrence Street, we celebrate an incredible milestone — the very first graduating class of our EmComm program! 🎓

We are beyond proud of these seven graduates for the hard work, dedication, and commitment they have shown throughout this year. Being part of the first class to complete this program is something truly special, and they have helped lay the foundation for future students to come.

We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the parents, families, and supporters who have encouraged and supported these students and our program during its first year. Your support has meant everything.

Congratulations to our graduates! We wish each of you the very best in whatever path you choose moving forward. We will miss you, and we cannot wait to see all that you accomplish! ❤️

04/29/2026

Dear JCS Families,

I want to start by saying that all students and staff are safe.

This morning, Jefferson County Schools received a threat directed at Wildwood Middle School. Our team, alongside law enforcement partners, acted immediately to protect students and staff across the district. I want to share what happened, how we responded, and what comes next.

Read full letter from Dr. Bishop here: https://www.jcswv.org/article/2853606

04/24/2026

Jefferson County Emergency Communications proudly participated in Wednesdays’ countywide emergency preparedness drill, showcasing the professionalism, efficiency, and teamwork that define our 911 center.

Throughout the exercise, our Telecommunicators demonstrated exceptional performance by managing a high volume of emergency calls, dispatching resources quickly, and maintaining clear, effective communication between responding agencies.

A key highlight of the drill was the use of our newly implemented school mapping software, an advanced tool that provides detailed building layouts, room numbers, access points, and critical infrastructure information. This technology enhances situational awareness and supports faster, more informed decision-making during school-related emergencies.
We remain committed to investing in technology, training, and strong partnerships to keep our community safe.

“This drill highlighted the dedications and skill of our emergency communications team,” said Tara Vann, Director of Communications. “Our staff consistently performs at the highest level, and Wednesday's exercise proved once again that Jefferson County residents are served by professionals who are ready to respond whenever help is needed.”



**This exercise was trauma-informed and carefully controlled. No live am******on was used at any time. During student portions, rubber and plastic prop fi****ms were substituted for real weapons. All fi****ms and law enforcement were subject to multiple safety checks throughout.**