New countywide 9-1-1 emergency dispatch center is operational

On Monday, April 24, a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the opening of the new Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency (WCCCA) emergency dispatch center. The newly constructed building on NE Pinefarm Court in Hillsboro replaces the former Tanasbourne site with one specifically designed to support critical communications technology infrastructure, meet the demand for emergency services and withstand a major earthquake.

In her remarks at the event, Board Chair Kathryn Harrington thanked voters for their support of the new 9-1-1 center. “I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity, made possible by the voters and taxpayers of Washington County, to build this critical component of our emergency telecommunications system. This Washington County owned dispatch center is the backbone of that system and carefully designed to maintain continuity of operations in the midst of almost any situation, allowing our first responders to react quickly and effectively when the community needs us the most.” Others in attendance included County leaders and WCCCA officials, as well as law enforcement, fire and emergency medical responders from across Washington County.

According to WCCCA Director Mark Buchholz, “The new dispatch center is a real game-changer for us. In addition to technology upgrades, we now have redundant building systems and assurance that we can maintain operations immediately following a seismic event. In addition to the typical office and mechanical spaces, we’re really pleased that the building also includes a small gym and a quiet room to support the health and wellness of our staff who work long hours under extremely challenging conditions.”

The $26 million facilities project was funded by property taxes as part of a 2016 voter-approved bond measure totaling $77 million to replace and upgrade the entire 9-1-1 emergency communications system. This critical system is used 24-hours a day, 365 days a year by every law enforcement, fire and rescue, and ambulance service provider countywide. The equipment and facilities improvements paid for through the bond measure are enabling first responders throughout Washington County to better serve the public during emergencies.