Jefferson County Emergency Communications Center

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 ammunition 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.**

04/22/2026

UPDATE: THE DRILL HAS BEEN COMPLETED

Reminder that this is only an exercise! Please do not call 911 in reference to this exercise.
Our dispatchers are still prepared to take your emergency and non-emergency calls if needed!

🚨🚨THIS IS AN EXERCISE🚨🚨

Active Shooter drill in progress at Wildwood Middle. THIS IS ONLY A DRILL!!

04/22/2026

Please be aware that this is only a drill!

COMMUNITY NOTICE: Emergency Response Drill at Wildwood Middle School

On Wednesday, April 22, agencies across Jefferson County will conduct a planned interagency emergency response drill at Wildwood Middle School. To support the exercise, Wildwood students will complete their schoolwork virtually that day.

There will be an increased presence of law enforcement and emergency services in the area. Please be assured that this activity is planned and does not indicate any threat to students, staff, or the community.

Participating agencies include:
Jefferson County Schools
Jefferson County Sheriff's Department
Jefferson County Emergency Communications
WVU Medicine Jefferson Medical Center
West Virginia State Police
Ranson Police Department
Jefferson County Parks and Recreation
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

We are grateful to all agencies involved and to our Wildwood Middle School families and staff for their flexibility and support. Exercises like this one make us better prepared to protect our students and our community, and we do not take that trust lightly.

04/18/2026

Thank you to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office - WV for the pizza and salad! Also appreciate seeing our favorite special deputy!

04/16/2026

Our administrative lines are currently down, so to reach staff at the 911 Center, please dial 681-534-8636 to speak with someone.

Call 911 for emergencies.

For all non-emergency related issues, call 304-725-8484.