01/05/2026
Cherokee County First Responders Meet Rising Demand as Call Volume and Community Growth Increase
The Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency is proud to recognize the dedication, professionalism, and tireless service of Cherokee County’s first responders as new data illustrates a significant increase in emergency calls and public safety workload over the past two years.
In 2025, Cherokee County 9-1-1 dispatched 40,375 calls for service, an increase from 27,551 calls in 2023. This represents 12,824 additional calls, or nearly a 47 percent increase.
This rise in call volume is a direct reflection of population growth, increased development, and higher traffic volume throughout Cherokee County. As more people live, work, and travel in the county, the demand for emergency services has increased accordingly.
Behind every one of these calls is a trained professional who answered without hesitation to protect life, property, and public safety.
The most common calls responded to by Cherokee County 9-1-1 in 2025 include:
Traffic Stops – 9,612 calls
Vehicle Accidents – 2,260 calls
Sick Person Calls – 1,232 calls
Incident / Offense (I&O) Reports – 1,090 calls
Call Complainant Requests – 1,038 calls
Reckless Driver Reports – 966 calls
Breathing Problems – 925 calls
9-1-1 Hang-Ups – 901 calls
These calls reflect the wide range of incidents handled daily, from traffic enforcement and public safety complaints to serious, time-sensitive medical emergencies.
Agency Response Totals for 2025
(Public Safety Agencies Only)
LAW ENFORCEMENT:
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office: 11,379 calls
Centre Police Department: 7,072 calls
Cedar Bluff Police Department: 3,148 calls
Leesburg Police Department: 1,932 calls
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA): 652 calls
FIRE SERVICE (13 Departments)
Centre Fire Department: 977 calls
Gaylesville Fire Department: 486 calls
Cedar Bluff Fire Department: 463 calls
Leesburg Fire Department: 411 calls
Spring Creek Fire Department: 387 calls
Sand Rock Fire Department: 274 calls
McCord’s Fire Department: 273 calls
Broomtown Fire Department: 270 calls
Spring Garden Fire Department: 250 calls
Tucker’s Chapel Fire Department: 216 calls
Ellisville Fire Department: 212 calls
Mt. Weisner Fire Department: 147 calls
Cloudland Fire Department (primarily dispatched by Chattooga County GA): 10 calls
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES & RESCUE:
Atrium-Floyd EMS: 6,816 calls
Cherokee County Rescue Squad (CCRS): 240 calls
Piedmont EMS: 224 calls
Medical Helicopter Requests: 20 calls
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT & SUPPORT
Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency: 230 calls
Cherokee County Coroner’s Office: 100 calls
- Fire Departments: A Cornerstone of Modern Emergency Medical Response -
Fire departments play a critical role far beyond fire suppression, and their integration into emergency medical response has vastly improved patient care and survival outcomes — not only in Cherokee County, but across Alabama and the nation.
Fire units routinely respond alongside EMS to all life-threatening or potentially life-threatening medical emergencies, including cardiac events, breathing problems, serious trauma, and motor vehicle accidents. Fire departments also respond any time EMS requests assistance, supplying additional manpower, scene safety, and rapid intervention. This coordinated approach reduces response times, improves patient outcomes, and enhances responder safety.
- Emergency Medical Services: Rising Demand and System Strain -
Across Cherokee County — and nationwide — emergency medical services are facing unprecedented demand. Increased call volume, longer hospital turnaround times, workforce shortages, and the growing complexity of medical emergencies continue to place strain on the EMS system.
In 2025 alone, Atrium-Floyd EMS responded to 6,816 calls, many involving high-acuity patients requiring immediate, advanced care. EMS providers routinely work extended hours, manage multiple critical incidents simultaneously, and adapt to evolving healthcare challenges — all while maintaining a high standard of patient care. The continued partnership between EMS, fire departments, and dispatch is essential to sustaining this system and ensuring patients receive timely, lifesaving treatment.
- Law Enforcement: Protecting the Community in a Challenging Climate -
Law enforcement officers in Cherokee County perform an inherently dangerous and increasingly complex job, responding to emergencies at all hours, often under unpredictable and volatile conditions.
In 2025, municipal and county law enforcement agencies collectively responded to tens of thousands of calls, ranging from traffic enforcement and accident response to violent crimes, domestic situations, and mental health crises. Officers routinely place themselves in harm’s way to protect others, often amid heightened public scrutiny and intense societal rhetoric surrounding law enforcement nationwide.
Despite these challenges, Cherokee County’s deputies and police officers continue to serve with professionalism, restraint, and dedication, maintaining public safety while building trust within the communities they protect.
- Growing Demand, Steady Commitment -
As call volume continues to rise, Cherokee County’s first responders remain committed to serving the community with professionalism, teamwork, and resilience. Every response begins with the skilled professionals at Cherokee County 9-1-1, whose calm voices and precise coordination ensure the right resources are dispatched quickly and effectively.
Cherokee County EMA Director Shawn Rogers stated:
“These numbers represent more than statistics. They represent long hours, difficult decisions, and professionals who put the safety of others first. Our fire departments, law enforcement officers, EMS providers, dispatchers, and emergency management staff work together every day to meet growing demands and keep our communities safe.”
- Looking Ahead -
The Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency remains committed to supporting all public safety partners as the county continues to grow. Residents are encouraged to recognize the dedication of first responders and to use 9-1-1 responsibly so resources remain available for true emergencies.
