Lawrence County 9-1-1

03/27/2026

03/23/2026

Press Release

03/23/2026

Missing Person

The Lawrence County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in locating Robert Fox, who has been reported missing.

Robert was last seen on 03/20/2026 in the County Road 15 area, also known as Lick Creek Road, in Lawrence County. He was last seen wearing a blue KDMC shirt, khaki pants, and white tennis shoes. His vehicle was later located at the Lawrence Village Apartments.

Investigators are currently reviewing digital information collected over the past several days in an effort to determine Mr. Fox's whereabouts.

Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is asked to contact the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office at 740-532-3525, option 8 for Investigations.

Thank you,

Sheriff Jeff Lawless

03/11/2026

🚨 Weather Advisory – Lawrence County 🌩️

Lawrence County is currently under a Tornado Watch until 5:00 PM this afternoon as strong storms move through the region.

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for portions of Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia, including several counties in our region.

Ohio counties included:
Athens • Gallia • Jackson • Lawrence • Meigs • Morgan • Perry • Vinton • Washington

Forecasts indicate the potential for severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, heavy rainfall, and isolated tornadoes throughout the day. Conditions remain warm, humid, and unstable, which can allow storms to strengthen quickly.

⚠️ What This Means
A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. Residents should remain alert and be prepared to take action if warnings are issued.

✔️ Monitor local weather updates
✔️ Have a plan to move to a safe location if needed
✔️ Secure outdoor items that could become airborne in strong winds
✔️ Charge phones and ensure weather alerts are enabled

📞 When to Call 911
Call 911 for emergencies such as:
• Downed power lines
• Motor vehicle crashes with injuries
• Trees blocking roadways creating hazards
• Any immediate threat to life or property

Lawrence County 911 dispatchers are monitoring conditions closely and are ready to coordinate with Fire, EMS, and Law enforcement agencies across the county as needed.

We will continue to provide updates as conditions change.

— Lawrence County 911

02/24/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Lawrence County Consolidates Law Enforcement Dispatch With 911 Center

The Lawrence County 911 Communications Center and the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office are pleased to announce the consolidation of law enforcement dispatch services into the countywide 911 center, located at the Joint Response Operations Center (JROC) in Coal Grove. This transition represents a major step forward in improving public safety, enhancing coordination, and modernizing emergency communications across the county.
For the first time, law enforcement, fire, and EMS dispatching is unified under one agency, streamlining communication and eliminating the delays caused by coordinating across multiple locations. The move follows extensive planning, technological upgrades, and years of preparation by both agencies.

“This is a big step for Lawrence County, and it’s something our communities deserve,” said Jeff Lawless, Lawrence County Sheriff. “We’ve spent a significant amount of time training, upgrading systems, and preparing our staff for this migration. Having all disciplines dispatched from one room will dramatically improve situational awareness, reduce delays, and ultimately make our citizens and responders safer.”

911 Director Nick Kuhn expressed strong support for the consolidation, noting the benefits for deputies, officers, and the community: “Our law enforcement partners already work hand-in-hand with 911 every day. Bringing all dispatch under one roof strengthens that partnership, speeds up communication, and ensures all of our first responders get the most accurate information as quickly as possible. This is a win for law enforcement and for everyone in Lawrence County.”

The consolidation aligns Lawrence County with best practices used by many counties throughout Ohio and the nation. By reducing the need for dispatchers at separate locations to relay information during incidents, especially those involving multiple agencies, the county expects improved efficiency and faster, more coordinated responses.

Both Lawless & Kuhn emphasize that the migration is the result of teamwork, shared commitment, and a unified focus on public safety.

“This has been years of work by both of our teams, plus the Lawrence County Commissioner’s and Auditor’s Office” Kuhn added. “Everyone involved recognized how important this is, and we’re excited to take this next step together.”

The transition is seamless for the public. For emergencies, call or text 911. For non-emergency or everyday business, the sheriff’s office can still be reached at 740-532-3525.

02/07/2026

February 7th, 2026

Lawrence County, Ohio has been reduced to a Level 1 Snow Advisory. Some roads will still have snow and ice on them, so continue to use caution while driving.

Stay Safe,

Sheriff Jeff Lawless

02/06/2026

February 6th, 2026

Lawrence County, Ohio is on a Level 2 Snow Emergency. The current snow we are receiving is sticking immediately due to the cold ground conditions. State and county road crews are treating the roads. However, after the plow goes through the snow rapidly covers the roads again. Please drive safely or stay home if you don’t need to be out.

Stay safe,

Sheriff Jeff Lawless

02/03/2026

February 3, 2026

Lawrence County, Ohio has upgraded to a Level 2 Snow Emergency. The road conditions are worsening with the current snowfall. Please use caution if you must be out. State and County road crews are currently treating the roads. However, the frigid ground temperatures and remaining ice on the roadways are making for hazardous driving conditions.

Stay Safe,

Sheriff Jeff Lawless

02/03/2026

February 3, 2026

Lawrence County, Ohio is on a Level 1 Snow Advisory. Please continue to drive with caution if you must be out.

Stay Safe,

Sheriff Jeff Lawless

01/27/2026

🚨 Telecommunications Outage Notice – AT&T Services 🚨

🚨 Telecommunications Update – AT&T Services Restored 🚨

Lawrence County 911 has been notified that AT&T phone services, including Text-to-911 functionality, have been restored in the affected areas.

📞 911 voice calls and Text-to-911 are now functioning normally for AT&T customers.

We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation during this service disruption. Lawrence County 911 will continue to monitor system status and coordinate with our telecommunications partners to ensure reliable emergency communications.

Thank you for your understanding.❕

Lawrence County 911 is aware that AT&T phone services are currently down, including Text-to-911 functionality, in parts of the area. At this time, there is no estimated time frame for service restoration.

📞 911 voice calls are still being monitored, however callers using AT&T devices may experience difficulties or delays.

If you are unable to reach 911 using an AT&T device:
• Attempt to call again
• Use a phone with a different carrier if available
• Use a landline if possible

Lawrence County 911 is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with telecommunications partners. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

— Lawrence County 911

01/25/2026

01-25-26

Lawrence County, Ohio has increased the snow level advisory to a Level 2. The roads are snow covered and slick. Road crews are continuing to treat the roads. If you must be out, please drive with caution.

Stay safe,

Sheriff Jeff Lawless